Pawn Jewelry-Navajo beaded silver pendant

Navajo handcrafted pendant. This unique pendant features a beaded rug pattern design inside a channel setting. The rectangular shape has flared sides with detailed stamping. Signed by the artist. The bail is large enough to accommodate upto a 1mm chain. 

 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 and is embedded in the Navajo culture. 

Material: Sterling silver 

Tribe affiliation: Navajo

Time period: current 

Overall measurements of the mounting: 1-1/4" x 1" ( 18"  chain included)