Belt, A Vintage, Concho, Turquoise, 3rd Phase, Etsitty-Tsosie Hallmark, Vintage, 1930, 598

ALL EYES ON YOU!

This vintage beauty was created by the renowned Navajo Silversmith Etsitty Tsosie, who is known for her eye-catching concho belts. The ornate sterling silver buckle is affixed to a brown leather belt that features alternating scalloped oval conchos and beautiful butterfly spacer conchos; all backed by matching leather and adorned with smooth stones of beautiful blue turquoise. Absolutely stunning, a statement piece that will have all eyes on you.

This old Navajo Concho belt with its crossed arrows hallmark is believed to be the work of the well known Navajo silversmith Etsitty Tsosie.  The hallmark has been identified by authors Pat and Kim Messier as it conjugates from Barton Wright, Arch Thiessen and others as it appears on early Navajo silver. 

 Etsitty-Tsosie (also Et-Sitty-Tsosie) (c1880 - 1937; Navajo). Stamp work; silver, copper, set stones. Worked for C.G. Wallace and also for others near Gallup. Intricate stamp work on butterfly designs, concho belts, and bracelets. Award winner in 1930s exhibitions. 

Mark: Crossed arrows (several variations; sometimes crude and lacking

definition so as to appear to be an X.)

• artist: Etsitty-Tsosie (d)
• affiliation: Navajo
• hallmarks: picto of crossed arrows
• materials: sterling silver, turquoise, leather strap
• measurements: buckle: 3" x 2", strap: 68", 6 conchos: 2 1/2" x 2", 6 Butterfly spacers: 2" x 1"
• weight: 358 grams
• nice vintage condition
• stones are secure in their settings
• abrasions and surface wear commensurate with age
• silver has a nice patina 
• wear from ethnographic use
• leather strap has been replaced
• style: Belt-598