Conchos

These metal decorations are prevalent in Western and Native American style leathercraft though many new designs with other themes are now available. A quick and interesting way to customise your leather bags, belts, saddlery, hats and jackets.

The word concho comes from the Spanish "concha" which actually means "conch" or "seashell" but has come to mean round or oval disks (occasionally rectangles) of silver used to decorate saddles, bridles, clothing, used as jewelry such as for pendants and bolo ties and for adding to belts.

The Navajo learned the art of metal working from the Mexicans, and it is believed that the first Concho belt was an adaptation of horse bridle buckles found there. As trade increased with Europeans in the Plains Territory, the Navajo began to make Conchos out of silver coins they had with them.

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