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: 3-1/4" W x 2-1/2" H
12 CONCHOS: 2" W x 2-3/8" H
LEATHER STRAP: 47-3/4" 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. The large buckle is rectangular, with a payote bird hand stamped on it. Each concho is in the shape of a peyote bird with decorative hand stamping, on a black leather strap. The buckle and each concho bear an oval turquoise cabochon approximately 5/8" wide by 13/16" 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. The peyote bird (also known as 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.
