Description:

This collectible $1 US West Telecard serves as a compelling tribute to Native American heritage, specifically highlighting the intricate artistry of the Pacific Northwest. The card’s central image showcases a detailed photograph of a traditional beaded headband from the 1800s—a sacred artifact deeply connected to the culture and traditions of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation in Oregon. This headband exemplifies Native American craftsmanship, featuring a complex geometric design with vibrant colors such as green, blue, purple, yellow, white, and red. Each bead is meticulously placed to create symmetrical patterns, symbolizing both cultural identity and the enduring legacy of the Wasco, Paiute, and other tribes native to the region.

The card’s design emphasizes the artifact’s significance while incorporating essential corporate and functional elements. An orange band runs along the right side and bottom, providing a backdrop for the phrase “A Northwest Legacy,” which encapsulates the card’s mission to honor and preserve the heritage of Northwest Native American tribes. The bottom section clearly identifies the card as a “$1.00” US West Telecard, a telecommunications tool that also functions as a culturally meaningful collectible. A “COMPLIMENTARY” banner in the top left corner suggests the card was likely a promotional item, possibly distributed in celebration of Native American Month or through a partnership with the Museum at Warm Springs, Oregon, known for its collection of such artifacts.

Technically, the card features a small embedded “Gemplus chip,” a hallmark of 1990s telecommunications innovation. This chip enables the card to function as a prepaid phone card, allowing users to make calls while simultaneously serving as a tangible piece of Americana. The US West Communications logo is prominently displayed at the bottom, representing the company’s role in connecting traditional heritage with modern technology. The integration of chip technology within this artifact-themed collectible symbolizes a fusion of past and present—melding Native American cultural heritage with late 20th-century telecommunications advancements.

Ultimately, this US West Telecard highlights the importance of preserving and sharing Native American culture through everyday objects. By featuring the beaded headband, the card pays tribute to the cultural and spiritual significance of such artifacts within the tribal communities of the Warm Springs Reservation. It stands as a lasting reminder of the rich traditions that continue to inspire and inform contemporary life.

Since we have the world's largest inventory of USA phonecards for collectors, you will not necessarily receive the identical serial/batch/PIN number that we have scanned/pictured.