An Official NA Silver Mark?
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2016 5:16 am
I came across the below reference in a document from the Office of Indian Affairs:
INDIAN ARTS AND CRAFTS DEVELOPED AS PART OF INDIAN LIFE AND ECONOMY
One of the characteristics of the American Indian is his outstanding ability as a craftsman. Unfortunately, however, most Indian arts and crafts products have been marketed in a haphazard fashion, and returns to the Indian producers have been low. The wide variations in quality and the uncertainties of production have made large-scale marketing difficult.
With the objective of building up this potential resource and increasing revenues from it while maintaining its integrity, this administration sought the passage of an arts and crafts bill which would provide funds and personnel for working out better production and marketing methods. Such an act was passed August 27, 1935 (49 Stat. 891), and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board was appointed during the following year. Broad powers are given the Board in the execution of its functions, but it may not itself act as a dealer.
"QUALITY" MARKET SOUGHT FOR INDIAN CRAFTS
After 6 months of extensive study in the field covering both production and marketing conditions, the Board found itself prepared last January (1937) to define its general policies and to initiate its first concrete projects.
In its work with the producer, it is the Board's policy to make raw materials available; to stimulate quality production and to help in the organization of craftsmen groups; to supply craftsmen of tribes having traditional handicrafts with all available information on techniques formerly used by their tribes and to acquaint them with the exigencies of the current market; to those groups having no traditional handicrafts, an opportunity to learn industries is to be given. In its work with the local dealers, it is the Board's policy to encourage emphasis on quality work and to help in establishing business relations with a quality market. Stimulation and actual cooperation in the organization of exhibits of Indian arts and crafts, stimulation of publications on Indian arts and crafts and establishment of an educational service for sales forces of stores carrying Indian crafts goods are included among the Board's plans for promotion work in the ultimate market.
LOCAL PROJECTS ARE INITIATED
The following specific projects have been initiated by the Board.
Silver project (Navajo, Pueblo, and Hopi Reservations, N. Mex. and Ariz.).—Standards of genuineness and quality for the silver work of the Navajo, Pueblo, and Hopi Indians have been established and published. A Government stamp, to be applied only to pieces that meet these standards, has been devised.
The loan of expert Navajo teachers of silversmithing from the Division of Education of the Indian Service has been arranged. These men are serving as advisers to reservation silversmiths who wish to produce the highest type of jewelry. Private groups are supplying the workmen with raw materials and adequate wages. Even after visits to all local dealers, no work of a quality equaling the products of the teachers and their students (with the exception of old pieces) has been found to be on sale. The Board believes that this project will not only produce a better source of income for the best silversmiths, but will also create a demand for better jewelry and thus stimulate the production and trade for more profitable merchandise all over this region.
Source: Annual Report of the Secretary of the Interior - 1937
Does anyone know is such a mark was ever instituted for use on Native American silver?
Trev.
INDIAN ARTS AND CRAFTS DEVELOPED AS PART OF INDIAN LIFE AND ECONOMY
One of the characteristics of the American Indian is his outstanding ability as a craftsman. Unfortunately, however, most Indian arts and crafts products have been marketed in a haphazard fashion, and returns to the Indian producers have been low. The wide variations in quality and the uncertainties of production have made large-scale marketing difficult.
With the objective of building up this potential resource and increasing revenues from it while maintaining its integrity, this administration sought the passage of an arts and crafts bill which would provide funds and personnel for working out better production and marketing methods. Such an act was passed August 27, 1935 (49 Stat. 891), and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board was appointed during the following year. Broad powers are given the Board in the execution of its functions, but it may not itself act as a dealer.
"QUALITY" MARKET SOUGHT FOR INDIAN CRAFTS
After 6 months of extensive study in the field covering both production and marketing conditions, the Board found itself prepared last January (1937) to define its general policies and to initiate its first concrete projects.
In its work with the producer, it is the Board's policy to make raw materials available; to stimulate quality production and to help in the organization of craftsmen groups; to supply craftsmen of tribes having traditional handicrafts with all available information on techniques formerly used by their tribes and to acquaint them with the exigencies of the current market; to those groups having no traditional handicrafts, an opportunity to learn industries is to be given. In its work with the local dealers, it is the Board's policy to encourage emphasis on quality work and to help in establishing business relations with a quality market. Stimulation and actual cooperation in the organization of exhibits of Indian arts and crafts, stimulation of publications on Indian arts and crafts and establishment of an educational service for sales forces of stores carrying Indian crafts goods are included among the Board's plans for promotion work in the ultimate market.
LOCAL PROJECTS ARE INITIATED
The following specific projects have been initiated by the Board.
Silver project (Navajo, Pueblo, and Hopi Reservations, N. Mex. and Ariz.).—Standards of genuineness and quality for the silver work of the Navajo, Pueblo, and Hopi Indians have been established and published. A Government stamp, to be applied only to pieces that meet these standards, has been devised.
The loan of expert Navajo teachers of silversmithing from the Division of Education of the Indian Service has been arranged. These men are serving as advisers to reservation silversmiths who wish to produce the highest type of jewelry. Private groups are supplying the workmen with raw materials and adequate wages. Even after visits to all local dealers, no work of a quality equaling the products of the teachers and their students (with the exception of old pieces) has been found to be on sale. The Board believes that this project will not only produce a better source of income for the best silversmiths, but will also create a demand for better jewelry and thus stimulate the production and trade for more profitable merchandise all over this region.
Source: Annual Report of the Secretary of the Interior - 1937
Does anyone know is such a mark was ever instituted for use on Native American silver?
Trev.