Dig It - 2/26/24
Okay Fellow Seekers, I think it is about time for a little silver, don’t you? Alrighty then, here we go.
This is a 2nd phase, ingot silver concha belt from the 1890s. Did you know they used to call this style “closed center 1st phase” concha belts? And they do date well into the late 19th century. In fact, there is a very famous photograph taken by Ben Wittick showing Slender Maker of Silver holding a 2nd phase concha belt. I believe the photo dates to the 1880s.
This is an unusual belt in that there are 10 conchas that are relatively small in size. I believe this belt was most likely made for Native consumption, because the stones on the buckle are later additions probably dating to 1900-1910. How do I know that? because the stones are placed over the earlier stamped design. The Navajo, like any peoples, wanted the latest fashions. Plain silver might have been alright for grandma, but stones are the latest thing, so let’s spruce up her old belt. When you look closely at this belt you can see the prowess of this silversmith. His stamp work and cold chisel work in the center of the conchas is excellent. This is a really wonderful belt, especially for a gracile person who does not want a big “Honker” concha belt. Well seekers that is going to wrap it up for Old Lonesome. By the way, the belt is for sale. Adios Amigos y Amigas.