Old Pawn Navajo heavy sand cast silver cuff bracelet with Thunderbird design. Early 20th century. Weighs 69.1 grams. Small size: inside width is 3 and one eighth inches, and opening is 1 inch. A jeweler could expand the opening using heat. Excellent estate condition. "Old pawn" is a term used in the Native American art world to describe jewelry that was pawned by tribes, such as the Navajo, and never reclaimed. The term originated around the turn of the 20th century, when traders would exchange supplies, such as food, rope, and blankets, for jewelry from their Navajo neighbors. The jewelry was often well-made and intended for personal or family use, but was pawned out of necessity or for safekeeping. Because it was often unclaimed, the jewelry is also sometimes called "dead pawn".
Original pair of Maliseet tribal snow shoes. The Maliseet people were also called the Malisit and Malecite. They are/were Native North Americans living in New Brunswick and Maine. The embellishments on the outer wooden frame are tufts of red-dyed moose hair. These 19th century snowshoes are in pristine condition. To learn more and see a similar pair, please visit: The Penn Museum Journal Volume 2 No. 4 (orig. publ. 1911), Fig. 67, Heye Collection Image Number 14357.
Navaho sterling and turquoise cuff bracelet, mid 20th century. Stamped with a small teepee on the inside. Measures 1.75 inches wide at center; inner circumference is 5.75 inches. For a petite wrist.
Early 20th century coiled grass basket in excellent condition. Wonderful swirl design with diagonally exposed brush ends. measures 5.5" high x 7" wide.
Vintage Roderick Tenorio sterling silver Pueblo cuff bracelet. Marked JMT sterling. Striking asymmetric design. Roderick Tenorio is a Kewa (Santo Domingo Pueblo) artisan who shares the hallmark with his wife Marilyn.