HISTORIC FIRST PHASE CONCHO BELT

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Artist: Unknown

Circa: 1860's-1900

Provenance: Private Collection

Our Price: $16,000.00

Availability: Usually Ships in 2 to 3 Business Days
Product Code: MMPPC

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Description

The First Phase of Navajo silver craft is considered to have taken place between 1868 and 1900 and characterized by the Native Americans making silver solely for their own traditional use. The Transitional period took place immediately following the First Phase from about 1900-1930 which developed as the tourist market for Indian craft dominated production.

This belt comes from the Ellis Tanner collection. Ellis is a long-time trader from Gallup, NM. Ellis Tanner is a 4th generation trader and has been in business since 1967. The Navajo people have honored Ellis with the name "Aye'hee" which means "Little In-Law". Meaning the one who helps out.

This beautifully crafted concho belt offers first phase hand wrought crafting of ingot silver. Each concho is hand hammered and slightly domed with detailed file and stamp work along the outer edge. There is one concho that was added and does not have the stamp work around the middle open diamond. It is from the same era and is slightly bigger. The small buckle is also nicely stamped with 4 repoussé points. The back of each concho has a single silver bar with soft bridle leather measuring 5/8" wide.

Each of the 8 concho's measure approximately 3 7/8" long by 3 1/8" wide. The beautiful buckle measuring 2 5/8" by 1 7/16". The silver has a lovely patina from age, having been stored carefully for many years. There us some wear on the conchos. The original wide leather will accompany the belt. The leather belt was recently replaced, as the original thin leather was in bad shape. The entire belt measures 52 3/4" long, including the leather belt. 600 gram weight.