220407-06 Navajo Concho Belt: UITA 21
Ca 1935
7 Oval + 6 Butterfly Conchos Plus Buckle. ca 1935. Belt Holes at 24-30" Leather can be replaced. Conchos 3"x 3 1/2" and 2 1/2" x 1 1/4"; Buckle 3" x 3 1/2"
Excellent Overall Condition
UITA is the stamp of United Indian Traders Association, which was formed in 1931 for the express purpose of authenticating Native American Indian crafts. Works that have this stamp are becoming more & more collectable.
UITA 21 Julias Gans Southwest Arts & Crafts/Plaza in Santa Fe NM
---
The UITA (United indian Traders Association) was established in the 1930’s to protect the integrity and authenticity of Native made jewelry in the Southwest. UITA 21 is often thought to be the most famous as this Trading Post, run by Julius Gans for many years and located in Gallup NM, was home to many well known and influential silversmiths of the time including, Mark Chee, Ambrose Roanhorse and Frank Patania who are all said to have been influential in the work produced there. The hallmark stamped inside ensures the historical significance of this fabulous Navajo silver and turquoise concho belt.
----
Other UITA marks include
UITA 1 Gallup Mercantile, Gallup
UITA 2 C G Wallace, Zuni
UITA 3 Bert Staples
UITA 4 Fred Harvey Co
UITA 5 ?
UITA 6 Don Smouse Borrego Pass Trading –Northern New Mexico
UITA 12 Frank& Al Packard, Santa Fe
UITA 15 ?
UITA 17 Hubbell at Ganado & Oraibi
UITA 18 (21?) Cousins Bros, Pine Springs
UITA 21 Julias Gans Southwest Arts & Crafts/Plaza in Santa Fe NM
UITA 22 Toadalena
UITA 29 Hubbell at Windslow
UITA 31 ?