'Feathered Indian' Buffalo Nickel Necklace - Amethyst
Handmade in W. North Carolina
Original design by Haleigh Mae Thompson featuring a genuine buffalo nickel with faceted amethyst set in fine silver, sterling silver flora, set on an oxidized sterling silver chain.
Necklace is adjustable between 16” - 18”.
The buffalo nickel was a five-cent coin produced by the United States Mint from 1913-1938. The design was chosen through a public competition held by the Mint in 1911. It was part of a broader movement in the early 20th century to revitalize American coinage by featuring more artistic and culturally significant designs. The Indigenous American chief on the obverse side was based off of composite images of Iron Tail, Two Moons, and Big Tree - chiefs of the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Kiowa tribes. But I have noted that the buffalo nickel being minted in the likeness of those three chiefs did not directly benefit any American Indian communities. The criticisms it faced were in utility (weak strikes and rapid wear, especially on the mintmark areas) and in culture (some felt it perpetuated stereotypes and misconceptions about Indigenous people). These days, the design is appreciated for its artistic merit and historical symbolism by Native Americans and non-Native collectors alike. 50% of purchase price will be donated to First Nations Development Institute.
Handmade in W. North Carolina
Original design by Haleigh Mae Thompson featuring a genuine buffalo nickel with faceted amethyst set in fine silver, sterling silver flora, set on an oxidized sterling silver chain.
Necklace is adjustable between 16” - 18”.
The buffalo nickel was a five-cent coin produced by the United States Mint from 1913-1938. The design was chosen through a public competition held by the Mint in 1911. It was part of a broader movement in the early 20th century to revitalize American coinage by featuring more artistic and culturally significant designs. The Indigenous American chief on the obverse side was based off of composite images of Iron Tail, Two Moons, and Big Tree - chiefs of the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Kiowa tribes. But I have noted that the buffalo nickel being minted in the likeness of those three chiefs did not directly benefit any American Indian communities. The criticisms it faced were in utility (weak strikes and rapid wear, especially on the mintmark areas) and in culture (some felt it perpetuated stereotypes and misconceptions about Indigenous people). These days, the design is appreciated for its artistic merit and historical symbolism by Native Americans and non-Native collectors alike. 50% of purchase price will be donated to First Nations Development Institute.
Handmade in W. North Carolina
Original design by Haleigh Mae Thompson featuring a genuine buffalo nickel with faceted amethyst set in fine silver, sterling silver flora, set on an oxidized sterling silver chain.
Necklace is adjustable between 16” - 18”.
The buffalo nickel was a five-cent coin produced by the United States Mint from 1913-1938. The design was chosen through a public competition held by the Mint in 1911. It was part of a broader movement in the early 20th century to revitalize American coinage by featuring more artistic and culturally significant designs. The Indigenous American chief on the obverse side was based off of composite images of Iron Tail, Two Moons, and Big Tree - chiefs of the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Kiowa tribes. But I have noted that the buffalo nickel being minted in the likeness of those three chiefs did not directly benefit any American Indian communities. The criticisms it faced were in utility (weak strikes and rapid wear, especially on the mintmark areas) and in culture (some felt it perpetuated stereotypes and misconceptions about Indigenous people). These days, the design is appreciated for its artistic merit and historical symbolism by Native Americans and non-Native collectors alike. 50% of purchase price will be donated to First Nations Development Institute.