ABOUT BENJAMIN:

Benjamin Becenti (born circa 1950) is a celebrated Navajo silversmith and lapidary artist from Crownpoint, New Mexico. Active since the 1970s, he is highly regarded for his intricate inlay work and his evocative, picturesque "storyteller" jewelry that narrates scenes of daily life, whether in the Pueblo or on the reservation.

Born on the Navajo Nation, Becenti was steeped in the traditions of his people and could not escape the pull of creating beautiful, meaningful jewelry, coming from a deep-rooted family of well-known artisans who have each made a lasting name in the industry.

He is the son of Robert Becenti, Sr. and the brother of Robert Becenti, Jr. He learned silversmithing early in life and took to it naturally and quickly, as if he had been practicing for decades, ultimately establishing himself as a veteran master and respected authority in this distinct and enduring art form. His detailed, narrative inlay remains highly sought after by collectors of authentic Southwestern Native American art.

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THE APACHE CROWN DANCER:

The Apache Crown Dance is a sacred, ancient ceremony that represents the ga’an—powerful mountain spirits central to Apache spiritual life. While the dance is performed primarily by Apache tribes, these mesmerizing ceremonies are often presented alongside regional Puebloan groups, such as the renowned Cellicion Zuni Dancers, at major cultural gatherings and festivals across the Southwest. It is performed to bless, heal, and protect the community..

Traditionally performed by five men. Four dancers represent the cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West) led by a messenger. The fifth dancer acts as a clown who interacts with the crowd and protects the others.

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THE BUCKLE:

Artistically designed on a heavy-gauge 3-7/8” width sterling platform, Benjamin invites you to the “Apache Dancer” event with a picturesque inlaid scene he made, featuring alternating triangular shapes of stamped sterling and bright blue turquoise that trace the perimeter.

Because of its age and the use of natural turquoise—popular in this period—the color has deepened on some cuts, giving the cuts a rich, beautiful vintage aesthetic. That subtle, lived-in change is something stabilized turquoise doesn’t offer, since stabilization seals the stone and prevents skin oils from penetrating; as a result, stabilized turquoise retains the same color for years. (That would take a separate listing learning about stabilization!)

In the center are two Apache dancers gathered around a small fire made from vibrant Italian red coral; their headdresses echo the perimeter motif, featuring triangular cuts of turquoise set in sterling. Their shirts are fashioned from luminous white shell, while their skirts are warm yellow shell. Each dancer wears a stamped sterling belt, adding textured detail and authentic Southwestern character to the composition. Fits up to a 1.50” belt.

Either man or woman would be proud to wear this & will compliment any southwestern, attire!

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INFO:

ARTIST: Benjamin Becenti
TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Navajo
CIRCA: 1970's
METAL: Sterling Silver (Acid Tested)
METAL FINISHING: Natural Developed Patina
MATERIAL: Natural Turquoise- White & Yellow Shell and Italian Coral -Either Black Jet or Onyx
CUT: Flush Inlay
MEASUREMENTS: 3-7/8" Wide X 2-7/8" Tall
WEIGHT: 2.27 Ounces - 64.6 Grams
BELT SIZE: 1-1/2" Belt
HALLMARK: ”BB”
CONDITION: Very well kept condition, Stones have no cracks, nor chips, I will leave the patina finishing just as I got it, since you do not want to take away from it’s vintage timeline! But that’s the buyers preference!
Comes Gift Boxed

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SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT:

Anything with this kind of price tag, will have a mandatory signature confirmation requirement.(This is reflected in the shipping price) . If you're not home in the day & need it shipped where it can be signed for, please change that in your "Ship To" section before I create the shipping label***I'm sorry if this may be an inconvenience, but I do not ship expensive pieces without one. This is for your safety & mine.

PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING
I do not consider myself a 'professional photographer" but I do try my hardest to give you photos that are 'realistic" in color.. But please realize that all monitors are different, so the materials can look brighter (or duller) from one computer to the next.

To provide you with close up photos providing you with all the fine detail, pictures tend to make the item look GIGANTIC & everything is more magnified than in actuality. .So to get an accurate idea of how big this is, please pull out a tape measure or ruler & compare to my given measurements listed above.