This inverted crescent shape, the Naja, appears in ancient civilizations across the world. It is seen to represent “the Phoenician goddess of fertility, Astarte, and is mentioned in the Book of Judges” (Durbin 1999, 503). The Spanish began to use the symbol “as a horse’s bridle ornament, to protect the horse and ride from ‘the evil eye’” (Durbin 1999, 503). The Navajo adopted the Naja when the Spanish explorers arrived in the Southwest and began to use it in their silver necklaces. The Navajo respect the symbol, but claim that it has no spiritual significance (Durbin 1999, 503).

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