Hopi artist Chalmers Day has been recognized and celebrated as one of the finest overlay silversmiths in Native American jewelry history. This example of his work from 1989 shows his unique genius in his interpretation of Hopi ceremony and legend. The piece transcends jewelry by the creation of fine art in sterling silver. Recognized by SWAIA at the 1989 Santa Fe Indian Market, the concho belt won the Best of Division award as well as first place. The belt depicts the mudhead ceremony beginning with the offerings of the people in celebration of the abundant harvest. The mudmen dance and pray for the rains that nurture the people. They enter the great Kiva with the people of the village looking on from their rooftops. The clowns enforce the seriousness of the ceremony preventing the people from getting out of line. The mudmen make holy offerings in the Kiva celebrating the great serpent that has led the people from the primordial underworld to the abundance of the present. The mudmen celebrate mother nature by riding the rainbow out to their fields and crops which provide the means of life for the people.

Full Length of Concho Belt: 45 1/2 in. (adjustable)  Belt Buckle Size: 3 3/16 in. x 2 in. (at widest points) Concho Size: 3 in. x 1 3/4 in. (at widest points)