Vintage 1961 ribbon winning buckle

Vintage 1961. This unique buckle is a combination of both a Navajo & Zuni artisans. Measuring 3-1/2" x 2-1/2". Beautiful details in stamping make this buckle stunning. The ribbon show is actually attached to the buckle and comes with the piece. When it was entered into the Inter-tribal ceremonial and won its ribbon, it was then attached to the buckle thus proving its authenticity and documenting its information. One-of-a kind. FREE leather belt with purchase!

Vintage 1961 award winning belt buckle  has history dating back to when C.G. Wallace set up his business in the Zuni Pueblo in 1917, there were only 5 silversmiths. He soon employed local Navajos to set Zuni cut stones. For a number of years Zunis glued the sets of cut stones to a cardboard backing and sold them to traders who in turn passed the pre-mounted sets on to Navajo silversmiths. The trade worked both ways, with silver backs made for sale to the Zunis, and this arrangement proved to profitable for both groups.

The Navajo Long Hair Kachina (Round inlay image) is one of the most prominent of all Kachinas it is danced from the Rio Grande to the Hopi Mesas. Its purpose is to bring the precious gift of rain to the life-sustaining crops