Offered here is a fabulous, Native American Concho belt by well known Navajo master jeweler, Richard Begay. The piece is constructed of all Sterling Silver (several individual pieces tested), measuring 39 inches long and the rectangular buckle stamped with the artists initials "RB" on the hook. Total weight is 112.1 grams (or 3.6 oz troy). I believe this piece was created sometime in the 1970s or even earlier.
Each Concho measures about 1 inch wide by about 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 inches long (not including the bails), and they are decorated with a central medallion having a diamond with six 10 point stars inside it and the diamond being surrounded by a circle of feathers. The significance of the design is in honorance (represented by feathers), of the Navajo homeland or "Dinetah" (represented by the diamond shape), and the laws (represented by the stars), by which they should live.
Richard Begay is well known for his wonderful and masterful silversmith work, and especially pieces that incorporated colorful semiprecious stones, coral and shell inlay. That being said, however, pieces such as this are very rare in his body of work. In fact, the specific elements in this particular design (of which I have not seen on any other piece by Richard Begay), suggest that it may have been made and used specifically for ceremonial purposes and not meant to be sold. It is unfortunate that I cannot offer any provenance since I purchased it from a thrift store that does not keep records of their donations.
CONDITION:
The overall condition of this belt is not excellent, it's actually impeccable! The surface of the Conchos show very fine, all-over scratches, but no dents, dimples nicks, or any other defects that would indicate the piece was ever used as a clothing accessory, but if so, it wasn't worn very often.
I'm a certified auctioneer and retired master jeweler. I worked at the repair bench for more than 36 years and handled hundreds of thousands of pieces of jewelry over the years and have always admired true craftsmanship. While this piece may seem to be a simple example of Richard Begay's work, I would disagree for one reason. The level of consistent perfection in the placement of the elements on every one of the Concho is truly remarkable, and this excellence makes Richard Begay stand out as a true master of his craft!
FREE SHIPPING plus full insurance paid for by seller.
- Size XL
- Color Other
- Age group Adult
- Gender Unisex
00891
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Returns not accepted for antique items unless the condition of the item was clearly misrepresented, seller clearly failed to properly secure item in shipping which caused damages and to which buyer must provide clear and convincing evidence, buyer received wrong item than that which was purchased.
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