Native American Trading Mural - Gallup, New Mexico
Posted by: 
linkys
N 35° 31.604 W 108° 44.635
12S E 704560 N 3933799
A mural which tells the story of the impact the government licensed traders had on the lives of the native Americans.
Waymark Code: WM3G8X
Location: New Mexico, United States
Date Posted: 04/01/2008
Views: 95
This mural is one of many in the Downtown Mural Project, the purpose of which is to retell the story of Gallup through a series of murals on Downtown walls. A link to the city's website describing the project is here.
The description of the mural is on a plaque below the mural and is as follows:
Traders were licensed by the US government in the late 1800's to create posts on newly formed reservations. They learned native languages and responded to the needs and desires of customers often developing relationships that have lasted for generations.
Wool in spring and lambs in fall meant that Native Americans needed credit between seasons. Credit would be advanced upon deposit of valued items, such as rugs and jewelry. This system, called pawn, depends upon mutual trust.
There was an awakening appreciation for Native American art in the 1920s supported and encouraged by numerous traders.
As tribes sought self-sufficiency in the 1960s trading on the reservation decreased. The pickup truck brought sellers and shoppers to town. Many traders settled in Gallup where they are major supporters of Native American artisans.
Closeups of several sections of the mural are included below:
Traders at the train.
Trader's store.
Jewelry making.
