Blackfoot Native American Knife

[aiontay]

I would point out that in the early 20th century many Native People were systematically stripped of resources, land, oil (think of all those dead Osages) etc. while being forced in to a market economy. There may have been other reasons than lack of interest for heirlooms to pass out of families.

[drac2k]

Many Americans of European descent were also systematically stripped of their homes and farms and all of their possessions in the early 20th century ; it was called the "Great Depression."

[Battara]

To focus back on this knife, I posted this since it has some provenance, an age, and a tribal affiliation. I thought it was an interesting piece. If it weren't for the information and bead work, I would never have known it was Blackfoot. In form it reminds me of "trade daggers" made for the Native American market in the 18th and 19th centuries.

[Tim Simmons]

The knife does take the form of a much earlier period. You could wonder at what response it would stir if being sold with no information on ebay. The questions of condition and brightness of the brass elements could be off putting? It is a very nice piece. These links help show that not all genuine pieces have to look old.
http://furtradetomahawks.tripod.com/id4.html
http://furtradetomahawks.tripod.com/id45.html

[kronckew]

my family is in part Blackfoot.

i put all this ownership stuff down to our lack of adequate early border patrols, letting in all those illegal immigrants from europe, asia, and africa.

p.s. - granny wants her knife back.

[S.Workman]

Originally Posted by aiontay

I would point out that in the early 20th century many Native People were systematically stripped of resources, land, oil (think of all those dead Osages) etc. while being forced in to a market economy. There may have been other reasons than lack of interest for heirlooms to pass out of families.

True, but that doesn't mean that the ethical and judicial burden of such a circumstance should rest on the shoulders of a modern owner - a collector of antique arms not unlike yourself, perhaps.

[kronckew]

Originally Posted by S.Workman

True, but that doesn't mean that the ethical and judicial burden of such a circumstance should rest on the shoulders of a modern owner - a collector of antique arms not unlike yourself, perhaps.

i agree. some of these confiscations appear to violate the constitutional prohibitions of illegal search and seizure. not that the govt. is above violating the constitution when it suits them.

p.s. - granny doesn't really want her knife back