What is a Navajo concho belt?
Concho belts are a long-time Navajo tradition yet it has been suggested that the Navajo borrowed conchos from Mexican tack items or from the Plains Indians. The earliest conchos were silver dollars that were hammered, then stamped and edged, then slotted and strung together on a piece of leather.
What kind of buckle does a concho belt have?
Others leather belt style Concho Belts have a large oval "western style belt buckle" with a prong on the back that fits into a hole in the belt. You will need to punch holes and trim the leather for this type of buckle too.
How much does a concho belt cost?
Traditional Sterling Silver Leather Concho Belts made by Native American silversmiths and marketed for the discriminating buyer can be somewhat less complex and less expensive that the museum pieces but they are every bit as nice. They are equally suitable to wear over a blouse or shirt or with jeans. These are for sale in the $1000-$9000 range.
Are concho belts unisex?
The conchos and the butterflies are sometimes backed by leather which highlights the silver work and also protects the edges of the silver from bumping, wear or bending. Men's or Ladies? Concho belts are unisex and can be worn with jeans as well as dresses.
What is the purpose of a Concho?
Conchos come from the Mexican vaquero tradition and serve both a decorative and a utilitarian role on western saddles. Conchos are metal disks, traditionally with two slits to allow saddle strings to pass through and secure the saddle's skirts to the saddle tree.
What were the functions of a concho belt?
Concho Belts in Western Fashion These disks are often used to decorate saddles, bridles, clothing, or used as jewelry for things like pendants, bolo ties and leather belts.
Are Conchos Native American?
Concho Belts reportedly began appearing in Navajo country in the late 1860s or early 1870s. Other Native Americans including the Zuni and Hopi also made traditional Concho Belts before long. The basic form of the concha (shell) was derived from hair ornaments of the Southern Plains Indians, called hair plates.
How do you put on a concho belt?
A screwdriver and a pair of pliers. Using the screwdriver, carefully loosen the belt loops on the back, just enough so you can slide the concho into the desired position. Then to seat it, place a cloth around the concho to protect it and gently squeeze the belt loop with the pliers to a snug fit.
Do men wear concho belts?
Both men and women wear concho belts, and these belts are a long standing tradition for men in the Southwest.
How do you make a concho belt?
5:4317:23Pow wow Concho Belt Tutorial - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen you're gonna want to measure where you want your conchos to be so I started by measuring theMoreThen you're gonna want to measure where you want your conchos to be so I started by measuring the middle of the width of the belt. And then trying to measure up equal spaces in between each concho.
What is Navajo Concho?
The basic form of the concha (shell) was derived from hair ornaments of the Southern Plains Indians, called hair plates. Hair plates were usually round, undecorated, and with smooth edges. They were strung vertically on red trade cloth, horse hair, or leather.
What did the Concho Indians eat?
Like the Jumanos, the Conchos farmed and gathered wild plants to eat. The men hunted deer, birds, and rabbits; they fished in the rivers and gathered clams.
Where is the Concho tribe?
northern ChihuahuaThe Concho Indians lived near the junction of the Río Concho River and Río Grande Rivers in northern Chihuahua. This region - known as La Junta de los Ríos - is a historic farming and trading area. The present-day towns of Presidio (Texas) and Ojinaga (Chihuahua) lay at the center of this region.
How do you set Conchos?
2:063:35How to Install Conchos in Leather - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo basically what you want to do is is put a hole right in the center. So and push that consoleMoreSo basically what you want to do is is put a hole right in the center. So and push that console through like that. And take the screwdriver. Put your Loctite on there so that it doesn't fall. Off.
What is Concho button?
The extra space between the concho and your project's surface enable the concho to be used as a button or used on the outside of a journal to help secure a flap with a cord or lace. Screwback attachment. Hand polished antique silver nickel free plate.
What tribe lived in Natchitoches?
The Natchitoches (Caddo: Náshit'ush) are a Native American tribe from Louisiana. They organized themselves in one of the three Caddo-speaking confederacies along with the Hasinai (between the Sabine and Trinity rivers in eastern Texas), and Kadohadacho (at the borders of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana).
Why did the Spanish use Tejas to name the Hasinai Indians?
The term Texas or Tejas was the Indian form of greeting which meant "friend" (see TEXAS, ORIGIN OF NAME). The term Hasinai or its variations (Aseney, Asinai, Asinay, Assinais, or Iones) means "our own people." Today among the descendants of these Caddoan people in Oklahoma the term Hasinai has been revived.
What is a concho belt?
Concho Belts in Western Fashion. The word concho comes from the Spanish “concha” which actually means “conch” or “seashell” but has come to mean “round disks of silver”. These disks are often used to decorate saddles, bridles, clothing, or used as jewelry such as for pendants, bolo ties, and leather belts. Concho belts are a long-time Navajo ...
What is the butterfly on a concho belt?
A “butterfly” is another smaller concho in between the bigger conchos ( as shown below) and its shape resembles that of a butterfly. The use of copper for the bar across the back became more prevalent than silver as we get close to current fashion. A belt with butterflies (and sometimes turquoise) from the early 1900s through the 1930s is generally thought of as “early third phase” and a belt from the 1940s through 70s would often be referred to as “vintage” while anything newer would be modern to contemporary.
How were conchos made?
At that time, the conchos were hammered from melted coins, cut and filed into shape, engraved, and then they would cut a diamond shape slot out of the middle of the concho for the leather belt to loop through.
What is the second phase of concho belt?
The “Second Phase” of concho belt development was when the Native silversmiths started to solder. They would solder a silver or copper bar across the back of the concho to run the belt through the back. This allowed the entire face of the concho to be engraved or decorated and kept the belt on the backside of the concho. This phase roughly lasted between the years of 1890 through the early 1900s.
How much does a concho cost?
These belts are often made out of the best materials and are handmade. You can always buy a cheaper version for between $40-$70. Some of our favorite brands are Tony Lama, Ariat, Shyanne, or Nocona.
Where did the Navajo get their conchos?
Concho belts are a long-time Navajo tradition although it has been guessed that the Navajo took conchos from Mexican tack items or from the Plains Indians and started creating their own after that.
What is a vintage belt?
A belt with butterflies (and sometimes turquoise) from the early 1900s through the 1930s is generally thought of as “early third phase” and a belt from the 1940s through 70s would often be referred to as “vintage” while anything newer would be modern to contemporary.
Where did the Concha belt come from?
The Navajos owned concha belts long before they learned silversmithing. They obtained them from the Southern Plains Indians, through looting or trade. The concept of the concha belt began with the Plains Indian’s belts but was blended with early Spanish/Mexican concha designs (1700 – 1750 CE). These early designs originated from iron harness buckles and cast silver conchas with scalloped edges used for spurs.
What is the concha shell?
The basic form of the concha (shell) was derived from hair ornaments of the Southern Plains Indians, called hair plates. Hair plates were usually round, undecorated, and with smooth edges. They were strung vertically on red trade cloth, horse hair, or leather. Men would wear this stripe of adornment in their hair and women would wear them as belts, sometimes reaching six feet long. They were made from German Silver, Copper, and Brass.
Where did the word "concho" come from?
The word concho, sometimes spelled concha, comes from the Spanish word meaning shell. Some of the first “conchos” were made of melted silver dollars and resembled a shell—it is commonly thought this is how the name came about. In Spanish, the correct word is concha, with an a at the end and is pronounced like an ah sound. However, most people now-a-days refer to the Native American style belt as a concho belt, with an o.#N#Although it is commonly said the Navajo (Dine’) borrowed the idea from Spaniards, the Concho Belt has become a long-standing Native tradition. Concho Belts reportedly began appearing in Navajo country in the late 1860s or early 1870s. Other Native Americans including the Zuni and Hopi also made traditional Concho Belts before long.
What tools did the Conchas use?
They used cold chisels, files, punches, stamps, and repoussé techniques.
What is the shape of a concho belt?
The craftmanship of the concho belt can range from mass production to museum quality. Sterling silver is often seen for vintage and antique pieces. The shape of the concho can range from the classic oval to the more modern and distinctive square.
What does "concho" mean?
Concho: a combining form meaning “shell; shell-like structure”
Where did the concho originate?
The origins of the concho are attributed to the Navajo Indians. This tribe extended from Arizona to Colorado and beyond. An exact map is provided for your review to the right. As we mentioned earlier, while the concho is credited to the Navajo, its very first creation was for the horses in Mexico.
Where did the word "concho" come from?
Concho is derived from the Spanish word "concha" which means "conch" or "seashell". The word "concho" has transitioned to be known as an oval or round disk. Conchos are credited to the Navajo, the American native Indian, however, the roots are often also credited to the Mexican Indians and the adornments they made to their bridle or tack items–the harnesses for their horses.
Did the concho belt go out of style?
Mark my words, the concho belt never went of style; we simply have forgotten it. Take a journey with us, learn about the origins, the etymology of the word and its transitions over time, see the fashion statement this great accessory can make, and in the end, share your thoughts about this forgotten piece of American history.
Who plays the heartthrob hairdresser in the movie "The Concho Belt"?
And while Ralph Lauren revived the popularity of southwestern dress and even adorned the concho belt himself, the heartthrob hairdresser played by Warren Beatty also took to this unique American accessory. The line up of celebrities starts but does not end with:
Who made the Cippy belt?
Cippy's father, Joe H. Quintana, was the maker of this famous belt.". The belt has become known as the "Morrison Concho Belt" and remains collectible even to this day, further supporting my theory that this belt is timeless in design and remains a relevant fashion statement even today for both men and women.
