NATIVE AMERICAN NAVAJO STERLING SILVER & SONORAN GOLD TURQUOISE CONCHO BELT BY GARY CUSTER

Description

In the mid 1800s, Navajo silversmiths started to use sand casting as one of their silversmithing techniques.  Today, silversmiths still use this technique by carving a design in tufa stone (a porous limestone) and then placing another stone against it.  The two pieces are fastened together and molten silver is poured in.  Once it has cooled, the artist takes the piece out and finishes it.  Gary Custer made this stunning concho belt in this manner.   The belt has a buckle and twelve conchos .  Made out of sterling silver, set with Sonoran Gold Turquoise stones, and backed with copper findings, allowing the conchos to be moved.   Holes are not punched in the belt, so the buyer can choose where to move the conchos and set the holes.  Signed.

Weight-626 grams

Length-49  1/2″

Leather Width- 11/16″

Buckle Size-2  15/16″ x 2  15/16″

Concho Size-1  1/2″ x 2  7/8″

Artist card included

The Navajos began working with silver in the 19th century, and began making things like buckles, bridles, buttons, rings, canteens, hollow beads, earrings, crescent-shaped pendants (called “najas”), bracelets, crosses, powder chargers, tobacco canteens, and conchos (for belts).  Their silversmithing skills has evolved and changed throughout the years, and in about 1880 Navajo silversmiths started to set turquoise in their silver work.  Traditionally, Navajo artists worked with jewelry techniques like repousee and stamp work, but today they explored in other Native American jewelry making techniques like Zuni inlay work and Hopi overlay work.

Additional information