For your consideration is this Navajo Old Pawn Heishi Fetish Necklaces, circa 1960s - 1970s. The term Old Pawn (aka "dead pawn") originated from the turn of the last century, as Navajo’s (as well as other tribes) would pawn personal items in trade for supplies. These personal items were very-well made pieces that often would go unclaimed (as pawn is a loan with interest added), which then would be called dead pawn. What makes old pawn jewelry so special is that this is the jewelry the Native Americans made for themselves and wore as adornment and a display of wealth that was often passed down in families over generations. Navajo silversmiths are recognized for their artistic creations in a variety of forms using silver and turquoise. One of the first Native American Indian metal smiths was a Navajo known as Atsidi Sani who learned to form black metal from a Mexican blacksmith around 1865. Later, in the 1880s, J.L. Hubbell hired several Mexican Silversmiths to teach the craft to Navajos at his Trading Post in Ganado, Arizona. The Navajo Silversmiths learned to cast Silver in sandstone or tufa as well as produce hand-hammered work. Navajo heishi (pronounced hee-shee) consists of handcrafted, tiny, disc-shaped beads made from natural shells, turquoise, coral, and other stones. Originating from the Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo and adopted by Navajo artists, these necklaces represent ancient Southwestern traditions. The larger necklace is of expert craftsmanship and shows a professional and wonderful construction featuring brass beads and bird fetishes with heishi beads while the other necklace features a liquid silver strand with bird fetishes and heishi beads. Both necklaces are in good condition overall, rich patina exhibited throughout both. Respective measurements are 14.5"L and 23"L, collective weight is 28.5gms.