Concha Belt c. 1880 - 1900

This is a Concha Belt, made by a Navajo artist, also known as Diné, from leather and silver. This belt represents more than just a fashion accessory. It embodies the history, culture, and resilience of the Navajo people in the Southwestern United States. The Diné are renowned silversmiths, and their craft became an important means of economic and cultural expression. The designs often incorporate symbols related to nature, spirituality, and their place in the universe. The motifs are not just decorative, they tell stories, convey beliefs, and connect the wearer to their heritage. Understanding this piece also involves looking at the history of trade, cultural exchange, and the impact of colonization on Native American communities. It's a powerful example of how art can reflect and resist social forces. Historians use archives, oral histories, and material culture studies to understand the complex meanings embedded in such artworks. It is a story contingent on social and institutional context.