UITA 21 Silver and Turquoise Flower Pin [SOLD]

United Indian Traders Association (UITA) was formed in 1931 to insure quality craftsmanship in Native American art. The association had strict rules regarding the methods used to make jewelry. A UITA stamp was a guarantee the piece was hand made by a member of an enrolled tribe. Traders paid dues and each post had its own number. UITA 21 was the number for the Santa Fe store owned by trader Julius Gans. Thus, we are able to identify that this Southwest Indian Jewelry piece was made and sold originally in Santa Fe.

After World War II, Indian silversmiths began experimenting with new designs. A major influence on the design elements of Southwest jewelers came from the popular silverwork of Mexican silversmiths.  The Mexican influence is evident in this lovely flower pin. The turquoise bud of the flower is set in a simple, elegant silver bezel. It is surrounded by four realistically rendered leaves.

This is a rare item in that we can tell where the piece was made and where it was originally sold. Although we don’t know exactly which silversmith made this pin, we can certainly authenticate its origin.

Condition: original condition

Recommended Reading: Southwestern Indian Jewelry by Dexter Cirillo.  This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery.

Provenance: from a gentleman in Colorado

We found a picture of the Silversmiths at Southwest Arts and Crafts, Julius Gans, Santa Fe, New Mexico – click here to view now!