Navajo Sterling Silver and Turquoise Concho Belt by Albert and Jacqualine Cleveland
$ 2,400.00
Native American Navajo Sterling Silver Concho Belt by Albert and Jacqualine Cleveland - $2400
BUCKLE: 3" W x 2-3/4" H (Eagle)
CONCHOS (assorted shapes):
2-3/16" to 3" W
1-7/8" to 2-15/16" H
LEATHER STRAP: 48-1/2" L x 1-1/2" W adjustable
CONDITION: Vintage, Never Worn
This is a magnificent concho belt by renowned artists Albert and Jacqualine Cleveland. Twelve conchos comprise six shapes (each repeated twice), including: eagle with raised wings, peyote bird, bear, thunderbird, double headed eagle, and eagle with spread wings. These solid sterling silver, hand stamped conchos (and large buckle in the shape of an eagle with raised wings) each bear an oval turquoise cabochon approximately 5/8" x 7/8", and are mounted on a black leather strap. 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. The eagle represents the courage, wisdom, and strength to realize one's own personal power, and in that way achieve conquest or victory. The eagle carries great significance in many Native American cultures, and is often considered the most sacred animal. The eagle can fly high, close to the creator, and with the all-encompassing view from such a height, teaches us to gain the perspective necessary to find inner peace and understanding, and in that way to discover and promote love, which is at the core of all teachings.
In the Navajo tradition, the bear is a symbol of strength, resilience, acceptance of one’s past, and the ability to overcome.
The thunderbird stands for serenity, bountiful blessings, and an outpouring of unlimited happiness.
The peyote/water bird is associated with thunder, lightning, and visions. It symbolizes power, strength, and nobility.
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.
