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On this multi-part silver belt, a story unfolds. The artist, who was a painter and silversmith, made many belt buckles and concho belts. Some depict scenes from Diné stories and others from Pueblo cultures as similar imagery is shared between nations. This style of multi-part belt is known as a storyteller concho belt. The three part narrative scene features katsina figures and kiva structures, spiritual symbols of the Hopi people. The artist Gail Bird explains the important identifying role jewelry plays in Pueblo culture: “It identifies who you are, who you were, in a lot of contexts where you came from, who your father was…the important stuff identifies your role and the fact you know what your role is.” Traditionally worn by men, and associated with the American Southwest, belts and buckles are highly sought after by non-Native collectors.
Storyteller concho belt
Robert Becenti Jr (1949 – 2001)
Native American, Diné (Navajo)
before 1999
Object Place: Arizona, United States, Southwest
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
6.35 x 15.56 cm (2 1/2 x 6 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Chaya and David Saity
Accession Number1999.220
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment
On this multi-part silver belt, a story unfolds. The artist, who was a painter and silversmith, made many belt buckles and concho belts. Some depict scenes from Diné stories and others from Pueblo cultures as similar imagery is shared between nations. This style of multi-part belt is known as a storyteller concho belt. The three part narrative scene features katsina figures and kiva structures, spiritual symbols of the Hopi people. The artist Gail Bird explains the important identifying role jewelry plays in Pueblo culture: “It identifies who you are, who you were, in a lot of contexts where you came from, who your father was…the important stuff identifies your role and the fact you know what your role is.” Traditionally worn by men, and associated with the American Southwest, belts and buckles are highly sought after by non-Native collectors.
DescriptionBelt made of three molded silver plates fastened to a wide piece of black leather. Each silver plate represents a Hopi-like scene flanked by a kiva structure on the proper right and a landscape formation on the proper left. Between are representations of dancers and katsina figures.
Marks
Stamped on reverse of each panel: Buffalo skull in front of peace pipe; inside of skull: B/[cent sign]/t
ProvenancePurchased in the American Southwest by David Saity (dealer), New York; 1999, gift of David and Chaya Saity to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 23, 1999)