Native American Navajo Sterling Silver Concho Belt by Albert and Jacqualine Cleveland - $2400 BUCKLE: 3" W x 2-1/4" H 12 CONCHOS: 2-5/8" W x 1-7/8" to 2-1/8" H LEATHER STRAP: 46" L x 1-1/2" W adjustable CONDITION: Vintage, Never Worn This is a stunning concho belt by renowned artists Albert and Jacqualine Cleveland. The buckle and each of the 12 conchos are made of solid sterling silver, hand stamped, each in the shape of a bear, on a black leather strap. The buckle and each concho display an oval turquoise cabochon approximately 3/4" wide by 9/16" high. Spacing of the conchos is easily adjusted, allowing this belt to fit small to extra large. The back is stamped sterling silver, and bears Clevelalnd's hallmark, proving its authenticity. In Navajo culture, animal figures carry symbolic meaning that is deeply interwoven with cultural practices. In the Navajo tradition, the bear is a symbol of strength, resilience, acceptance of one’s past, and the ability to overcome. Well known Navajo artist Albert Cleveland is a master silversmith who makes museum quality sterling silver jewelry which can be worn by both men and women. His signature style is born of old, traditional Navajo silversmithing. Noted for working in the 1940's curio style, Cleveland often uses thunderbirds, water birds, eagles, bears, horses, and other animals of traditional Navajo folklore. Cleveland rolls silver ingots down by hand into a flat sheet, which is then formed into beautiful pieces of jewelry and hand stamped, often incorporating turquoise. Cleveland is of the Dashchanii clan, and was born on the Navajo reservation near Mt. Taylor in 1954. He and his wife, Jacqualine, currently live near Gallup, New Mexico, where they often work together. When working alone, Cleveland signs his pieces AC, while pieces produced from the collaboration with his wife bear the hallmark AJC. These days, Cleveland produces much of his retro-style jewelry from copper and nickel-silver, so we are proud to present here some of his older work made of solid sterling silver. Please note that in the photo showing several concho belts, all the belts are sterling silver, and all handmade by Albert Cleveland. Each one is unique, and may not be available if sold. Because these items are hand-crafted by local artisans using traditional techniques, slight variations may occur. Note that colors may vary according to each display monitor.
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