Diné Silver Concho Belt from the Navajo Nation [SOLD]

A Diné artist made this beautiful Silver Concho Belt from the Navajo Nation.  Concha belts had their introduction in the mid-1870s on the Navajo Reservation.  The Navajo source for silver in the early days was both American and Mexican coins. These coins were hammered down into discs and fashioned into rounds or ovals that resemble sea shells.   The decorative stamp work emulated finely tooled leather designs seen on the saddles and horse tack of the Mexican Vaqueros. In wearing a gleaming silver belt the owner advertised his wealth and prestige not only in the community but to outsiders.