Vintage ORVILLE TSINNIE Navajo Concho Belt In BRASS.

Description

Until his death in 2017, Orville Tsinnie was one of the best known Navajo silversmiths.  His designs were innovative, and his execution was perfect.  He held many awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Arts and Crafts Association.   In addition to his work famously done in silver and natural stones, he made some elegant pieces in brass, including this concho belt.  Some of his designs, like this one are modernistic - a sleek, simple, elegant variation on a traditional theme.
Buckle and 11 conchos.  Buckle appx 2.25 x 1.75", conchos 2 x 1.5.   Soft leather belt is 40" long and 1 1/8" wide.  296 grams.  Holes at 31, 32, 33, 34" - plenty of room for additional ones.
Stamped with the artist's signature, including the two stamps depicting Ship Rock, the famous NM landmark that gives the name to the town of Shiprock, where Orville lived.
Oxidation on the face of 2 conchos, and on the brass fasteners of most on the underside.  I have not tried to polish it, as many (mostly Anglos) like the patina, and many (most Indians) like their jewelry pristine.