Benjamin Becenti, Navajo - Sterling Silver |
1 1/4" wide x 58" long black leather belt with no holes punched. | ||||||||||||||
Read
about authenticity
Buckle and each concho are stamped BB.
Belt loop are likely brass or copper.
One concho has a wavy area along an edge.
|
New Old Stock
CB111 - | |||||||||||||
Paula says - "This collectible concho belt has ten sterling silver oval conchos inlaid with colorful stones. Each concho depicts a different kachina. "The conchos are vintage NOS, New Old Stock, that were made circa 1970. They were never used or even put on a belt until we purchased them. "We have had several Benjamin Becenti traditional storyteller belts in the past, those that depict scenes from everyday life for a Navajo family. The panels on those are usually a smaller rectangular size. This is the first kachina concho belt we have had. "I contacted Benjamin Becenti's son Bennie to ask him about the belt and he said his father made only a few of the kachina belts and that this one was done quite a while ago. He told me that his father had to patent the designs on his belts because other people were copying his work. He asked me for photos of the belt so he could show his father, who had never taken photos of one of his kachina belts. He said his father was very happy to see the belt and confirmed that he made very few of these and especially in this very large size concho. "Most leather concho belts are quite adjustable. You can adjust them to fit a smaller waist by punching additional holes in the leather. You can slide the conchos along the the leather to adjust their spacing closer together or farther apart. You could even remove one or more conchos if you want to make the belt very short. Also you could cut excess leather off the tail end of the belt. To make a belt larger, you can purchase a leather belt of the proper length and put the conchos and buckle on the new belt."
Buckle and 9 panels are 3 1/2" x 2 3/4".
| ||||||||||||||
What is a Kachina?A kachina is one of many supernatural beings who play a role in the religious beliefs and rituals of Pueblo Indian peoples. A kachina is also a masked dancer believed to embody a particular spirit during a religious ceremony. Also, a kachina is a carved doll in the costume of a particular spirit. |
NOTE:
Items in our Vintage Shop are either USED or NEW. They might come from inheritances,
estate sales, private collections, and store liquidations. Many items are brand
new (NOS, New Old Stock) and in perfect condition while others may show tarnish,
scratches and other signs of use. Major issues will be described in detail and
shown in photos. Vintage Shop items are sold as described and are not returnable. |
Horsekeeping
LLC - Definitions of Jewelry Age and Condition | |
Patina | A dark or colored film of oxidation that forms naturally on metal exposure to air and other elements. It is often valued for its aesthetically pleasing appearance. |
Vintage | 30 years or older. |
NOS | New Old Stock. Retail store inventory from at least 10 years ago. |
Pre-owned | An item that has been used. |
