Pawn Jewelry- Large Navajo dangle earrings

This traditionally styled earrings are handcrafted by a Navajo artist. They feature 2 large oval pieces of spiny oyster shell with 5 round turquoise stones on each earring.These are large earrings that have a heavy weight to them.They hang on silver wires.  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 their culture. 

Material: Sterling silver , orange & red spiny oyster shell & turquoise

Tribe affiliation: Navajo

Time period: current

measurements: 2-1/2" x 1-1/4"