concho

Concho is a term with several related meanings in English. In decorative arts and fashion, a concho is a metal disk or plate used as an ornament on belts, saddles, hats, and other tack. Conchos are traditionally made from silver or brass and may be plain, engraved, stamped, or inlaid with stones. The word derives from the Spanish concha, meaning shell, reflecting the shell-like appearance of many early designs. In North American Western wear, conchos are commonly arranged along a belt to form a concho belt, a distinctive style element.

Geographically, the name Concho appears in several places in the United States. Concho, Oklahoma and Concho, Arizona are small communities, and Concho County is a county in Texas. The Concho River in Texas is a notable watercourse that helps give its name to nearby places and features, including Fort Concho, a historic U.S. Army fort in San Angelo, Texas.

In broader usage, concho can refer to individual ornaments or motifs that evoke shell-like design, and the term is often encountered in jewelry, Western wear, and craft contexts. The concept reflects the cultural influence of Mexican and Southwestern traditions on American belt and saddle hardware, where conchos remain a recognizable decorative element.