Navajo Silver and Turquoise Concha Belt, circa 1950 [SOLD]

Although not an indigenous art form, Silversmithing and Moorish-influenced designs brought to the Southwest by Spanish and Mexican soldiers became important arts of Navajo life.

The Diné greatly admired the silverwork of the early Spaniards, who loved personal adornment that was lavishly decorated with silver. It is quite possible that concha belts originated from adornments seen on Spaniard’s horses. It is also quite possible that the idea originated from the Plains Indian hair plates which where shaped like conchas, but worn as hair adornment.

Navajo Silversmithing had its beginnings from a Mexican smith around 1853. Soon, the Navajo were masters at the art form and made bridles for their horses, and belts, buckles, beads, bells and necklaces for their own use. Life on the Reservation changed from that of raiding to herding sheep and silversmithing for wealth. The Navajo wore his wealth on his body as adornment.

This outstanding concha belt dates to the early 1950s and has just been released from a Santa Fe household. It has not previously been on the market. It consists of 7 oval silver conchas, each with a single oval turquoise cabochon at its apex. The buckle is rectangular, with four oval stones.

The workmanship is that of the finest craftsman. Each concha is beautifully formed with detail stamping. The condition of the belt and all the silver work is outstanding. It’s as if the piece was never worn.