***RARE-Circa 1960's-Mid 70's Zuni Pueblo Made-Phenomenally Designed- Multi Bird "Chip Inlay" Sterling Concho Belt-Fits from 28" to 36.5"***
***RARE-Circa 1960's-Mid 70's Zuni Pueblo Made-Phenomenally Designed- Multi Bird "Chip Inlay" Sterling Concho Belt-Fits from 28" to 36.5"***
FIRM ON PRICE-SORRY BUT NO DISCOUNTS APPLY TO THIS ITEM
THE CONCHO BELT:
This exceptionally rare concho belt is intricately designed with all the traditional bird motifs that are deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Zuni Pueblo. What makes this belt truly unique and fascinating, especially when compared to other Zuni inlaid pieces, is the fact that the inlay technique used here, diverges from the traditional methods usually mastered by Zuni artisans. Renowned for their exceptional lapidary skills, these artisans typically cut and shape each stone or shell with meticulous precision to create their stunning, picturesque works of art. In many of their pieces, the material either sits perfectly flush within the sterling silver or is raised elegantly within a bezel setting. However, this seldom-seen design stands apart because instead of the usual solidly cut stones, it is composed of tiny “chips” of various colored materials to create a work of art. These chips are carefully mosaic inlaid into the intricately cut-out sterling design, creating a beautiful, flush surface within the sterling silver that showcases a wholly distinctive artistic approach.
Magnificently designed in an intricate 10 multi-bird layout—comprising 9 conchos plus 1 buckle—each of the conchos features a uniquely styled and differently colored bird. The only two that bare some resemblance, though with subtle differences, are the “Roadrunners” positioned adjacent to the buckle and at the very end of the belt. These birds are designed with a distinct southwestern Arizona theme, beautifully incorporating iconic elements such as Saguaro and Prickly Pear cactus motifs. Regarding a couple of the birds, I must admit their exact species elude me, but most are easily recognizable. The collection includes a Hummingbird concho, a woodpecker, a quail, a vibrant Red Cardinal, a red breasted Robin, and the buckle itself proudly displays a Blue Jay. All of these birds are chip-inlaid with carefully selected stones and shells in colors that make each bird instantly identifiable. Except for the two Roadrunners, all the other birds are either perched gracefully on tree branches created from solid cuts of deep green Serpentine or beautifully chip-inlaid with Italian Coral. The surrounding floral accents are designed using both Italian Coral and blue Turquoise stones. Enhancing the overall composition, the outer perimeter of the piece features a subtle Greek-inspired design, also chip-inlaid with vibrant turquoise, adding a refined touch of the southwest!
THE BLACK LEATHER BELT:
This originally came to me beltless. So I had my friend here in Santa Fe, who specializes in working with leather, to add a leather belt that is soft & pliable & would only get better over time. She carefully chose the black “Pebble” leather, which adds a subtle touch of character and texture while feeling much better to the touch..
The belt has a 1.50” width & from the tip on the buckle to the shortest hole is punched for a 28” waist & can fit up to a 36.5” waist as it is now. The full length of the belt is 43”,so if you need additional holes punched, you can easily have this done to accommodate a larger waist. Any belt excess can be tucked under the belt so it lays parallel with the belt.(Or some just leave the excess hang-your call!)
PLEASE GO THROUGH THE ENTIRE PHOTOS I PROVIDED YOU WITH SINCE THEY ALSO PLAY A ROLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
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INFO:
ARTIST: Unknown
TRIBAL AFFILATION: Zuni Pueblo
MATERIAL: Turquoise, Italian red Coral, Cream Color Shell, Dark Green Serpentine
METAL: Sterling (Tests positive for Sterling)
WEIGHT: 10 OUNCES**{ 284.8 GRAMS}
CONCHOS: 10 with Buckle
BUCKLE: 3” Wide x 2” Tall
EACH ROUND CONCHO MEASUREMENT: 2” Round
BELT: 1.50" Wide
BELT MATERIAL/COLOR: Soft-Pliable "PEBBLE" Black Leather (Brand New)
1st BELT HOLE AT: 28" (Measured from the buckle tip) LAST HOLE: 36.5"
TOTAL BELT LENGTH: About 43" (From the tip on buckle to the end of the leather belt)
HALLMARK: None
CONDITION: The conchos are Vintage but have been very well kept & all are in excellent condition! I do not have details as to what the interior of the sellers house was-No chipped, cracked or missing stones, no dings on the sterling.
Will come protected & boxed well!
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SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT:
Anything with a high price tag, will have a mandatory signature confirmation requirement & will come insured (reflected in 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. Please realize that all monitors are different, so the materials can look more vivid (or duller) from one computer to the next.
To give you close up photos,pictures tend to make the item look much more larger & everything is more magnified than in actuality. So to get an accurate idea of how big this is, please either check it out being worn to get a rough idea (see photos) or you can pull out a tape measure & compare to my given measurements above.