Pawn Jewelry-Navajo Rainbow Yei pendant

1970's Navajo handcrafted pendant.This unique piece is made with a method called "sandcast".It is a style of Navajo jewelry first created by silversmiths sometime between 1840 and 1860. The basis of this process is a mold made by carving the desired design into a stone. Using this mold, a piece of jewelry is made. This particuar piece is formed in the shape of the Navajo rainbow Yei. In Navajo mythology, yei (pronounced "yay") are a group of spirit deities. or holy people, who act as mediators between humans and the Great Spirit. The name Yei derives from Yeibicheii. The curved symbol of the yei who controls the rainbow, often appears in jewelry, healing ceremonies, and sand paintings. The yei are benevolent beings who bring healing powers to Navajo medicinal ceremonies. This is a great piece.

 It comes attached to its original red pawn ticket.The term "pawn" refers to jewelry that has been pawned to brokers. The practice of pawning jewelry began in the early 1900s when Native Americans and traders would exchange jewelry for food and other necessities, it is still used today.

Material: Sterling silver 

Tribe affiliation:Navajo

Time period: 1980's

measurements: 2" x 2"