Old Native American jewelry offered for sale is often labeled “old pawn“. What is meant by this is not always clear.
After the Navajo were defeated by Kit Carson’s scorched earth campaign of the 1870s,the US government relocated the tribe to Bosque Redondo in eastern New Mexico at the extreme western side of the Great Plains. This relocation eventually failed and the Navajo who survived were offered a part of their historic range as a reservation.
Upon returning home, the Dine returned to their traditional ways, raising sheep, limited farming, and hunting. Their economy was primarily based on barter between the Dine and the entrepreneurs who had moved onto the reservation to establish trading posts to supply the people with outside goods. The Dine would trade their livestock and crops for needed supplies.
In the winter, the people would pawn what valuables they possessed for supplies. When next year’s harvest occurred, the pawned goods were redeemed and the cycle went on. The goods that were not redeemed were sold to pay for the bad debt. Hence the term “dead pawn”.
The barter economy was slowly displaced as the Dine became integrated in the wider society. The trading posts became less relevant as roads became more accessible and the people learned that goods could be acquired cheaper in the few communities adjacent to the reservation. By the late 1960s, the trading posts were mostly gone and by the 1980s were largely history as the Navajo Government saw little reason to renew their leases. Pawning ,of course, continued outside of the reservation.
“Old pawn jewelry”, to most, refers to the classic era prior to 1960 when the Dine economy was more a barter economy and the trading posts still flourished. Most jewelry creation was for personal and ceremonial use. Some was produced for the tourist trade but the finest pieces were made for the Dine, without particular regard for the tastes of the non-Native American. These pieces, produced with primitive hand made tools are today prized by collectors worldwide as some of America’s finest ethnic art collectibles. Many such pieces still have the pawn tags attached.
Turquoise Direct is seeking examples of “Old Pawn Jewelry” and will consult with you to help you obtain the highest market price.
Estate
Turquoise Direct and Chaneys Indian Art is seeking fine examples of Native American Art and jewelry. We have extensive knowledge of Navajo rugs and blankets, Pueblo pottery and jewelry. We encourage you to consult with us on the disposition of your Native American collectibles.
Many owners of estate pieces find it confusing when the time comes to sell. Often, pieces are consigned to auction or to local stores at far less than market value. When ignorant of the value of pieces, some people sell their items at garage sales for a fraction of their value or sell to pawn shops for next to nothing.
Harnessing the power of the internet, we reach a worldwide audience that may be interested in your piece or collection. We encourage you to consult with us as an alternative way to market your items.
