This stunning old beauty has history ! Circa 1885, the closed center First Phase concho belt was acquired by the Bonnell family from Joseph Ernst when John and Virginia Bonnell opened the White Hogan in 1945 on the Navajo Reservation. "Joe" Ernst worked with the Fred Harvey Company, Grand Canyon location, and had been collecting on his own for many years, buying from Indian artists and their families, both new and old items.
When the White Hogan moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, this belt became part of an impressive historical display that John and Virginia passed on to their son, Jon and his family along with a business that was renowned for creating some of the finest and most innovative contemporary silver in the Southwest. The White Hogan was also known for its meticulous repair work and Jon's extensive knowledge of fine historical Indian jewelry, textiles, pottery, beadwork and cradleboards.
We are respectfully presenting this 6 concho belt with buckle just as it has been kept by Jon Bonnell and its previous owners. John Bonnell's handwritten labels are still where he put them on the back of the buckle. The leather has never been replaced behind the 6 conchos. Harness leather originally cut for the belt strap had been modified for a specific wearer at one time and a snap was installed for convenience very early on. The tip and last hole of the belt strap have been gone for at least 85 years. Presentation in as pure an original condition as found is our policy regarding a piece of such historical provenance and value.
Description | This stunning old beauty has history ! Circa 1885, the closed center First Phase concho belt was acquired by the Bonnell family from Joseph Ernst when John and Virginia Bonnell opened the White Hogan in 1945 on the Navajo Reservation. "Joe" Ernst worked with the Fred Harvey Company, Grand Canyon location, and had been collecting on his own for many years, buying from Indian artists and their families, both new and old items. When the White Hogan moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, this belt became part of an impressive historical display that John and Virginia passed on to their son, Jon and his family along with a business that was renowned for creating some of the finest and most innovative contemporary silver in the Southwest. The White Hogan was also known for its meticulous repair work and Jon's extensive knowledge of fine historical Indian jewelry, textiles, pottery, beadwork and cradleboards. We are respectfully presenting this 6 concho belt with buckle just as it has been kept by Jon Bonnell and its previous owners. John Bonnell's handwritten labels are still where he put them on the back of the buckle. The leather has never been replaced behind the 6 conchos. Harness leather originally cut for the belt strap had been modified for a specific wearer at one time and a snap was installed for convenience very early on. The tip and last hole of the belt strap have been gone for at least 85 years. Presentation in as pure an original condition as found is our policy regarding a piece of such historical provenance and value. |
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About the Artist | "Dineh or Diné are a Native American people of the Southwestern United States. They are the second largest federally recognized tribe in the United States with over 300,000 enrolled tribal members as of 2015. The Navajo reservation occupies over 27,000 square miles of land in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Navajo language is spoken throughout the reservation with most Navajos speaking English as well." excerpted from Wikipedia
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Medium | Ingot silver, copper and leather |
Troy ounces | 25.69 troy ounces |
Size | Each concho is 4" length X 3 1/2" width. Buck measures 2 7/8" length X 2 1/4" width. |
Signed | No |
Date of creation | Circa 1885 |
Condition | To wear, leather must be replaced |
Description | Silver ingot is hammer forged and each piece is domed freeform by planishing into a wooden depression. Diamond center forms and other ornamental work were accomplished with a chisel and hand-carved stamps. The scalloped edge is filed and punch perforated. Like methods were used to create the open center domed buckle with more foliate ornamentation. Flattened copper wire straps were soldered to the conchos providing a means of fastening them to a leather harness strap. |
Design | Joe Ernst used to be manager of the Hopi House and later was the buyer of Indian artifacts for all the Fred Harvey Houses. Joe's deceased wife, Alberta, was a Harvey girl. |
Provenance | JKB |
Gram weight | 799 grams |