The first comprehensive, exclusive study of Navajo concha belts, this extraordinary reference work is poised to be by far the most in-depth authority on the subject. Although most books about Southwestern Indian jewelry do include concha belts peripherally, this focused research by expert Donald P. Richards serves as a truly invaluable resource. An incredible breadth of information covers not only the physical but the human history of these unique belts: influences on southwestern art styles; materials, tools, and techniques; maker and age identification; determining authenticity; concha belts depicted in art; and even modern methods to determine metal composition by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). In addition to Navajo styles, it also includes related styles from the Zunis, Hopis, Pueblos, and the Plains Indians, plus selected related Asian examples—all of which were collected from 51 sources in 14 states and 3 foreign countries. 656 pp | 2,350 color & b/w images