Art in New Mexico

Navajo Concho Belt purchased from Twin Rocks Trading Post

"Looking at the belt I realized that it was indeed one of a kind with its own character even before I learned its history. The belt's general design may not be necessarily unique, but the workmanship tells me that it is one of a kind. It was obviously hand tooled from memory with slight deviations in its patterns and spacing of the butterflies and conchos. There is very good selections and sizing of the stones and the buckle is well proportioned to the rest of the belt. It was worn but well cared for. The belt seems to have been designed for a female although it fits my waist perfectly. However it seemed to speak to me, a male. I have a small collection of concho belts (some more elaborate) but this is the only one that I have actually worn. It is displayed "up front" with my other belts."

"This belt was owned by Peter Holiday (Elsie Holiday's husband), he inherited it from his father Teddy Holiday who was a prominent medicine man in Monument Valley up until his death in 1993, he was approximately 90 years old. As close as we can tell the belt was made in the late 1940s and was given to Teddy as payment for a ceremony sometime in the 50's."