UITA sterling silver Turquose flower pin United Indian Traders Association

Native American sterling silver Turquose flower pin Marked UITA ( for United Indian Traders Association) 21 It is tarnished or has a nice patina 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.