"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

Hello Friends!

Friends, Romans, countrymen...y'all. Foodies, gardeners, artists and collectors - let's gather together to share and possibly learn a thing or two in the mix.

Donna Baker

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Out In The West Texas Town Of El Paso




I thought of that song when I bought this piece.  I can just imagine an old cowboy in his saddle and sombrero, loping along in his leather chaps through the sagebrush and canyons.  

It is an old Navajo stamped cross, sterling silver and I just left it as I found it.  It's very heavy for its size.  Though I've been selling many of my old collections, I don't sell my old west or Native American pieces.  I'm such a magpie.


Of course it might have belonged to a padre at one of the many missions out west....


Oh the stories they could tell - Pony Express, rattlesnakes, kachinas, the pueblos.


31 comments:

Joanne Noragon said...

Passa por aqui.
I hope that's right. I have lost so much knowledge. I remember a story about that inscription scratched into a sandstone bluff along the trail. I think artifacts like yours should remain where they originated, and not be spread over the world as souvenirs or examples.

donna baker said...

At least it is loved and appreciated and New Mexico, Texas and Arizona are right next door. Oklahoma means red man. Did you know there were over two thousand different native tribes? It is all interesting. I love the history.

angryparsnip said...

Beautiful piece.
I know you have been selling many of your collections but I like the fact your saving one that mean so much to you. When you live somewhere (like we both do) so filled with a living history it is great to stay connected.

cheers, parsnip

donna baker said...

Yes Gayle. Guess I keep them for the stories.

Joanne Noragon said...

Yes. Archaeology and Natives Americans were my side field of interest. I knew so much about so many tribes, and now I scarcely recall their names.

Down by the sea said...

That is such a fascinating item. Sarah x

donna baker said...

Glad you like it Sarah. Our history is short compared to yours. I'd lose it if I lived over there. Oklahoma has strict laws on the old Native American artifacts and pottery. The old west - not.

Bea said...

When I look at these images, I am reminded of how I little I have seen of this country. Visiting New Mexico would be amazing as I am told that the cuisine is one-of-a-kind.

donna baker said...

It sure isn't TexMex cuisine. I haven't seen much of it myself. Many states I haven't been to.

Doc said...

A neighbor has a friend that is an antique picker. He was admiring Menagerie Manor from across the road when boldness overtook him. He introduced himself and then told me that he was looking to purchase antiques. He bought quite a few things and really haven’t missed any of them. We have soooo many collections.

Elephant's Child said...

Oh the stories indeed...
History as I wish it had been taught.

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Wonderful and such a great part of your country's history Donna. I have an Indian leather pouch and I did have a Navajo silver bracelet but I lost it !! XXXX

donna baker said...

What do you like to collect Doc?

donna baker said...

Funny I never liked history in school, but now it's bliss.

donna baker said...

Funny you should say that Jackie, as quite a lot of old Native American items went to Europe I've been told.

La Table De Nana said...

I sang the song as I read the title of your post:) It's beautiful..do you wear it?

Ry @ Sotto Il Monte Vineyards said...

I have a photo that I took of my husband in his cowboy hat and boots in front of Rosa’s Cantina in El Paso. We have spent a good deal of time in the Southwest - I am a collector of Native American pieces as well. Don’t believe I’ll part with them until I leave this earth. We listen to books on CD of Tony Hillerman as we crisscross New Mexico and Arizona. So much beauty out there. Love your silver cross!

Michelle said...

That is an exceptional piece.

donna baker said...

I think it was Marty Robbins that sang it. I don't wear jewelry, just look at it in my cabinet of curiosities.

donna baker said...

The southwest is so beautiful. I would love to visit Sedona, AZ. It spoke to me when I saw it.

donna baker said...

You can tell I don't wear jewelry Michelle. I wouldn't have looked twice at it if it has been covered in diamonds.

Sandra Cox said...

Oh yes, there must be many wonderful stories in that lovely relic.

donna baker said...

I think you're right Sandra.

Amanda Summer said...

Imagine the hands that held these items, and the places to which they were carried...

donna baker said...

Though our history is short, much of it is unknown. In SE Oklahoma, there is a large runestone that they have researched. It was from a norseman long ago that had traveled the river ways and had carved in stone as a manner of claiming the valley he had found. Don't think the natives would have let him do that.

Share my Garden said...

What a beautiful object. In it's present state it looks like a piece of carved ebony. Wouldn't it be marvellous to know it's history! The movement of objects and the temporary ownership of them fascinate me - hence my other blog about one hundred objects in my life.

donna baker said...

Thank you Rosemary. I'm going there now.

jerilanders said...

It makes me want to go and watch Lonesome Dove again...

donna baker said...

I loved the book, but never saw the movie. There are some good new westerns on Netflix.

Sandra Cox said...

Hope you've got your feet up and are enjoying your weekend.

donna baker said...

I am Sandra and it makes me feel guilty. The feet up part.