Extraordinary and Unique Silver and Turquoise Concha Belt by Adrienne Teeguarden [SOLD]

This unusual silver and turquoise concha belt was a mystery to us as to its origin and maker but a client steered us to the source.  It was made by Adrienne Teeguarden who, at one time, lived in Taos, New Mexico. The stamps she used to create her belts are the same as ones used by Navajo Indians in the early 1900s on belts now be found in museums. Adrienne was the first to bring the mystic symbols such as the thunderbird and the arrowhead into contemporary fashion. 

Elaborate stampwork set upon heavy silver conchas accented with gem grade turquoise cabs is the focal point of this amazing belt. Every aspect of this belt is remarkable—from the intricately crafted buckle to whimsical conchas shaped like eagles and arrows. The defining characteristic of the belt is the ornate stampwork. 

The buckle features impressions of thunderbirds, feather motifs, several size triangle shapes as well as diamonds—creating an explosion of texture and design.  Each of the six arrow conchas is a stamped triangle, with arrows and diamonds arranged in an intricate pattern around a single piece of beautiful turquoise. The three eagle conchas contain a myriad of stamps, including three different arrow motifs, stamps of clouds, sun, moon, teepees as well as buffalos and crosses.

According to Adrienne Teeguarden’s website, RC Gorman was a client and friend who supported and believed in her talent.  Others on her client list are Angelina Jolie, Helmut Newton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Whoopi Goldberg, Prince Ernst of Hanover, Madonna, Darren Vigil Gray, Jessica Simpson, Christina Aguilera, Chuck E. Weiss, Lauran Bacall, Linda Thompson, Olivia Newton John, Robert Redford, Sonja Braga, Jessica Alba, Billy Bob Thornton, Robert Evans, Inger Jirby, Daniel Lanois, Bono, Doug Newton, Sheryl Crow, Kristie Alley, Robbie Robertson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Spike Lee & Bernie Taupin.  

We are indebted to our client who informed us of the maker of this belt and to the website of Adrienne from which we obtained information.

Condition: the Extraordinary and Unique Silver and Turquoise Concha Belt by Adrienne Teeguarden is in excellent condition. The high quality turquoise gemstones are all intact and the silverwork has a nice patina that comes with age. It is not signed with a hallmark.

Provenance: from the collection of a Santa Fe resident.

Recommended Reading:

- White Metal Universe: Jewelry from the Fred Harvey Collection by Cynthia Davies;

- Indian Jewelry of the American Southwest by William A. Turnbaugh

Relative Links: Concho Belt, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Belt, concha, Fred Harvey Company, Adrienne Teeguarden