Concha Belt 1880 - 1890

This concha belt was made by a Navajo artist using silver and leather. Navajo concha belts emerged in the late 19th century, a time of significant cultural exchange and adaptation in the Southwest. The Diné, as the Navajo call themselves, skillfully integrated new materials and techniques, such as silversmithing learned from Mexican artisans, into their existing artistic practices. Each concha, or disc, is carefully crafted, often stamped with designs reflecting Diné cosmology and worldview. The silver, initially obtained through trade, became a medium for expressing cultural identity and sovereignty. These belts were not merely decorative; they were symbols of status and wealth, often worn during ceremonies and important social events. Examining trading records, ethnographic studies, and Diné oral histories help us understand the role of these belts in the complex social and economic landscape of the time. The concha belt is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Diné people.