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Lot 189A
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Joe H. Quintana Silver & Leather Concho Belt w/ Owls
Joe H. Quintana Silver & Leather Concho Belt w/ Owls
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Attributed to Joe H. Quintana (Native American, Cochiti, 1914-1991). Silver and leather concho belt, n.d. Unsigned. An elegant and quite unique leather concho belt attributed to Joe H. Quintana, comprised of an undulating leather band with 6 ovoid silver medallion conchos, 7 rare silver owl motif dividers typically known as "butterfly" conchos, and a rectangular silver buckle with abstract petaloid designs. Owls are often featured in Cochiti Pueblo art and are associated with the spirit of fertility and the god of death. Size of largest concho (oval): 3.75" L x 3" W (9.5 cm x 7.6 cm); of belt: 45.5" L x 3" W (115.6 cm x 7.6 cm); silver quality: 96.5%; total weight: 0.9 kilograms

This iconic belt was acquired from Raymond Coriz of Santo Domingo Pueblo. Raymond's wife, Angelita Coriz, is the sister of Reyes Garcia, who was the "lady friend" of Joe H. Quintana for many years until his death in 1991. Raymond's wife Angelita believed that Raymond got the belt from Joe H. Quintana. Irma Bailey, a collector and an employer of Joe H. Quintana, felt that this belt could have been made by Joe, but without his initials stamped on it, she could not be positive.

Joe Herrera Quintana, born on February 1, 1915, in Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico, is widely regarded as one of the preeminent silversmiths of the 20th century. His distinctive designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail captivated collectors and dealers alike throughout his career and continue to do so today. Quintana honed his skills under the mentorship of renowned jeweler Frank Patania and gained valuable experience working in various shops across Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico. During the 1960s, he collaborated with numerous talented artists, exchanging ideas and fostering a shared passion for the art of silversmithing.

In 1966, Quintana established a significant professional partnership with trader Irma Bailey, becoming the leading silversmith at her store, Irma's Indian Art & Pawn. One of his most notable pieces, a concha belt worn by rock legend Jim Morrison, was crafted in 1967 and purchased directly from the shop by the musician. Quintana continued to work with Bailey until the store closed in 1971, after which he returned to his hometown in Cochiti Pueblo. There, he dedicated his time to creating jewelry and drums while actively working to enhance the well-being of his community until his passing in 1991.

On December 21, 1924, Quintana married Teresita Chalan of Cochiti Pueblo, and together they had five children: Panky, Cippy, Rose, Daniel, and Sylvia. His son Cippy, along with his wife, had three children - Erly, Moses, and Waddie. Today, Cippy Crazyhorse and his son Waddie Crazyhorse are both esteemed jewelers, proudly continuing Joe Quintana's artistic legacy. During World War II, Quintana lived in California, where it is believed he contributed to the Civil Defense efforts at naval shipyards. Although the exact nature of his work remains uncertain, he occasionally reflected on how his experiences in welding influenced his techniques in silver soldering, which he later applied to his jewelry-making. Quintana passed away from pneumonia on December 19, 1991.

Quintana's jewelry is celebrated for its masterful construction and modernist aesthetic, showcasing a unique charm that distinguishes his work from others of his era. His innovative and versatile designs solidify his status as one of the finest silversmiths of his time, continuing to inspire artists and collectors well beyond his lifetime.

"He didn't think of himself as a great silversmith - he was just doing what he did: creating designs from everything around him in his everyday life. Perhaps it is that innocence in his work that instantly makes people feel good." - Irma Bailey

Please note this item may fall under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and may not be eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private Livermore, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in 2005; ex-collection of Shirley and Dick Zaluga, Running Buffalo Trading Post, Waterflow, New Mexico, USA, acquired from Raymond Coriz, Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico, USA

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#190716

    Condition:
  • Some age wear to leather with rubbing and wrinkling in areas. A few minor scratches and patina to silver, but otherwise, belt is intact, wearable, and in overall very good condition. Unsigned.

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by Artemis Fine Arts
January 30, 2025 8:00 AM MST
686 S. Taylor Ave., #108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Artemis Fine Arts

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$2,000 $4,999 $250
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$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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