Pawn Jewelry- Navajo cluster pin/pendant by artist Wilbert Benally

Navajo handcrafted pin/pendant. The back side has both a small loop for a chain (approximately 2mm in size) as well as pin. Featuring a oval shape with a petit point cluster of turquoise stones. The artist has handcut all 50 stones individually in crafting this piece. The blue/green coloring of the turquoise stones is beautiful. .Stamped by the aritst with his initals WB.

 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 & turquoise

Tribe affiliation: Navajo

Time period: current 

Overall measurements of the mounting: 2" x 2-1/2" (all measurements are approximate)