This beautiful petite concho belt/hat band/necklace is the work of Navajo silversmith Etsitty Tsosie. The age and overall detail show the work of an artist that not only had access to detailed stamps but also was able to apply them to a piece of silver with a well-balanced design. This belt has 14 concho's and 16 butterflies and a wonderful buckle. It makes a powerful statement as to the ability of one man’s talent from an earlier era, especially for its size. The belt features extremely fine detailed stamp work, on the butterflies and concho's. The belt has been shined up somewhere along the way, but still has a very light patina where it shows the beautiful stamp work. His rarely seen crossed arrows hallmark is on this great belt.
It buckle measures 1 1/2” long by 1 3/16” tall. The concho's measure 1 1/8" long by 15/16" wide. The total length is 31" long.
Etsitty Tsosie was active from 1910-1937 and passed away in 1937. Best known for his beautiful stamp work and repousse pieces. He worked for trader C.G. Wallace for a period of time and was commissioned to produce stamps. He and Hosteen Goodluck worked closely together creating many of the early concho belts and other detailed pieces of jewelry. Several of his pieces were featured in the C.G. Wallace collection. Mentioned in the John Adair 1944 book, Eskiesose (C.G. Wallace's questionable spelling) preferred to work without strangers watching him, as he insisted his silver would not melt correctly.