Native American Indian Belt Guide

From a practical standpoint, Native American belts have served a variety of purposes, from providing support for breechclouts and leggings, to aiding in the transportation of tools, weapons, and bags. Using the most reliable and available material, early Native American Indian belts were made of fur strips, leather, fibers, and later, metals. Living within the vicinity of the Pacific Coast, the Nez Perce used tree bark fiber adorned with shells, animal claws and teeth for belts. The Southwestern tribes of the Pueblos and Navajo made belts of yucca and painted the fibers a plethora of native colors. Sashes, from six to nine feet long, were wrapped around the waist multiple times and were often decorated with geometric designs. Often in the shades of purple and white, wampum decorated belts served commemorative and communicative purposes, by both the Choctaw and Iroquois Indian tribes. Today, the most widely used and purchased form of Native American belts are manufactured from leather or silver.

Concho Belts

Initially introduced by the tribes of the Great Plains, concho belts were adopted by the southwestern tribes. Today, concho belts are recognized as a form of jewelry closely associated with the Navajo. Made with stamped silver, the concho belts are often inlayed with turquoise, coral, or onyx. Accented with beautiful squash blossom fastenings, concho belts are exquisitely made. Originally, the silver conchos were attached to leather belts, but as artisans learned to solder, the modern link concho was formed. Although earlier shaped conchos consist of the square design, contemporary conchos consist of the oval form. Without a doubt, conchos are the most popular form of modern Native American belts. Worn loosely below the hips, concho belts add a stylish look to any outfit. You can read more about on concho belts at our Concho Belt Guide.

Leather Indian Belts

With the availability of animal hides, it was only natural that leather became the most commonly used form of belt by Native American Indians. Durable, water resistant, and used to support clothes, the leather straps joined together by a belt buckle. Different means were used to decorate the leather. For example, belts associated with the Plateau region were beautifully decorated with quillwork or floral beadwork, both glass and shell. Leather belts from the Great Plains are adorned with beadwork that is saddle or peyote stitched. The most reliable form of material, leather will remain a mainstay of Native American belts for as long as the hide remains available.