Vintage Navajo Belt 38" 2.5" Hand Woven Wool Sash 1960s Ceremonial Fringe Dance

I purchased this in a collection of old wool belts and moccasins from a Native American gift shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The shop was exactly as you would imagine... old, dusty, and, sadly, closing it's doors. Proprietor told me that the belts hand been in the possession of the shop since the 1960's, so I suppose you could call these new old stock. These wraps or sashes were made by a Navajo rug weaver, often worn daily back in the 1960's, nowadays these are worn as dance regalia, or for ceremonials... a traditional accessory for many Native Americans. The colors are still bright and true, nice condition, stored well over the decades, protected from the sun. This one is a bit different in it's construction, is this a neck piece? A belt? When folded in half measures Roughly 38 long including fringe and 2.5 wide. These handmade belts are rare and are normally passed from generation to generation and treated with great respect, and still worn today as the occasion arises. (And you too can wear it, use it as a long lovely narrow table runner, or as home accent as it is very similar to a Navajo rug.)