Gibson Gene Pictorial Silver Link Belt with Various Images

This is a unique and unusual Diné of the Navajo Nation silver link belt. Each of the seven oval conchos and the buckle display a different image-one concho has a corn plant and flute player, one has a moose, one a Diné Yei mask, one a horse and bird, one an eagle's head, one with a corn plant and two Yei, one with a wolf and moon, and the buckle has a sun face. The round discs have geometric designs, a lizard, and flute player. Each of the geometric designs is different.

One of the desirable features of a link belt is the buckle can be hooked into any of the silver loops, leaving the excess links hanging down. This results in a flexible belt size.

Diné of the Navajo Nation artist Gibson Gene is known for his overlay and chip inlay work in jewelry. This overlay link belt is reminiscent of Hopi overlay work but is not to be confused with such. Gibson Gene is listed in reference books on Native artists, but there is no biographical information published in any of the books. An online search revealed items of his work, but no biographical information. We welcome any information from anyone who knows about this jeweler.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Gibson Gene Pictorial Silver Link Belt with Various Images is from the collection of a Santa Fe resident

Recommended Reading: NAVAJO SILVER A brief History of Navajo Silversmithing by Arthur Woodward

TAGS: Navajo, jewelry, Gibson Gene