Navajo Turquoise Traditional Silver Concho Belt

Made by one of our better Navajo silversmiths, Joey McCray. This is a good looking, hand stamped, die struck nickel silver Natural Turquoise Concho Belt. Very impressive style. Each concho holds a nugget of genuine Sleeping Beauty Turquoise in the center. You'll definitely turn heads when wearing this one. This concho belt will look great with jeans or dress up any denim outfit. A Southwest show stopper. Made in our shop by Joe McCray. Eleven conchos, including the buckle, on 1" wide black leather belt can be cut to fit. Just send us your belt size. Conchos are 2 1/2" x 3 " (full size).

Concha belts are one of the most striking articles of Indian Jewelry. The medallions or plates of silver vary in number according to size. The older type had holes in the center, separated by a bar, through which was passed the strap forming the belt. The first belts were made only of concha's, with leather thongs used for fastening. Later a silver harness buckle was used, then slides of soft copper were used to attach and slide the concha's on belts and finally elaborate buckles replaced the leather thongs and simple buckles. The use of turquoise and other adornment on concha's date from the 1920's. The variety of sizes, materials and quality of silver smithing and lapidary masterpieces, with every piece being hand wrought and crafted.

The Navajo were the first to produce jewelry that required the working of metal. Their love of metal working can be traced to the Spanish arrival in the Southwest. The silver bridles and horse trappings of the Conquistadors were admired and often stolen by the raiding Navajos. Later when the area became part of Mexico, Mexican silversmiths traded jewelry to wealthy Navajo for sheep. Jewelry became a symbol of wealth.

Please measure your waist and allow us to know your exact waist size in the 'comment box' as you check out so we can make sure that this concho belt is perfect for you. If you do not give us your size specifications the leather belt will come to you unpunched. We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted Indian art. And, we recognize it's important to know that the artist is truly a member of a Native American tribe. So, to ensure you that this is the real deal, a Certificate of Authenticity has been included with this item.

CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC