Seeking costuming info/advice

[Wolf Creek Bodine]

I've been slowly putting together a "Valdez Is Coming" outfit, and there's one item I simply cannot figure out.  Clearly visible in many of the scenes in the movie, Bob Valdez is wearing what APPEARS to be an Indian-pattern belt, above his gunbelt.  It's decorated in back, and the front appears to be plain leather, tied together around his waist.  It doesn't seems logical that this would, in any way, help keep his pants up.  The only purpose it seems to have is for him to tuck a glove in now and again, but that seems kind of overkill for a task his gunbelt could handle.  Anyone have any idea what the significance/purpose of this item was, other than to be eye-catching for the movie patrons?  Thanks in advance for any help you folks can offer.

[Subdeacon Joe]

Maybe to give him some support while he is riding.  

[Wolf Creek Bodine]

Cowboy version of a motorcyclist's kidney belt?  Possible I suppose, but I've never encountered such a thing in any literature.

[Subdeacon Joe]

Just now, Wolf Creek Bodine said:

Cowboy version of a motorcyclist's kidney belt?  Possible I suppose, but I've never encountered such a thing in any literature.

 

From what I've read those fancy belts Hussars and others such as  Royal Horse Artillery wear were/are for support while riding. 

[Wolf Creek Bodine]

Wow!  Never knew that!  Learn something everyday, even at my age!  Thanks, Joe!

[Subdeacon Joe]

30 minutes ago, Wolf Creek Bodine said:

Wow!  Never knew that!  Learn something everyday, even at my age!  Thanks, Joe!

 

We both did....I  hadn't known about motorcyclist's kidney belts.

 

I'd bet that motorcyclists got the idea from equestrians. 

[Texas Jack Black]

 Back support been around for  ever.

[Texas Joker]

2 thoughts

 

1 shows affiliation with a particular people, equivalent to wearing a cut.

 

ii. Decoration and trade item for locals in the event of interaction?

[Pat Riot]

Check out Etsy. Find something you like then contact maker / seller and see if they’ll do custom work. 
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=indian+bead+kidney+belts&ref=search_bar

 

 

[Pat Riot]

Here’s someone that does custom work. Maybe she could help. Martha Berry.
 

http://berrybeadwork.com/

[Eyesa Horg]

Seems awful narrow to offer back support.

[Subdeacon Joe]

2 hours ago, Eyesa Horg said:

Seems awful narrow to offer back support.

 

 

I've found that even a narrow belt can help a lot with back issues.  A wider one is better, but limits mobility.  

[Sedalia Dave]

3 hours ago, Texas Joker said:

2 thoughts

 

1 shows affiliation with a particular people, equivalent to wearing a cut.

 

ii. Decoration and trade item for locals in the event of interaction?

This ^^^^

[Wolf Creek Bodine]

Quote

9 hours ago, Subdeacon Joe said:

I'd bet that motorcyclists got the idea from equestrians. 

 

5 hours ago, Texas Jack Black said:

 Back support been around for  ever.

 

I expect you're both right, gentlemen.

[Wolf Creek Bodine]

Quote

4 hours ago, Texas Joker said:

2 thoughts

 

1 shows affiliation with a particular people, equivalent to wearing a cut.

 

ii. Decoration and trade item for locals in the event of interaction?

 

4 hours ago, Pat Riot said:

Check out Etsy. Find something you like then contact maker / seller and see if they’ll do custom work. 
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=indian+bead+kidney+belts&ref=search_bar

 

 

 

Interesting possibility, Joker, thanks!  And Pat, thanks for the Etsy tip.  I'm off to search for new ways to spend my gold!

[Texas Maverick]

5 minutes ago, Wolf Creek Bodine said:

Interesting possibility, Joker, thanks!  And Pat, thanks for the Etsy tip.  I'm off to search for new ways to spend my gold!

I have a bridge for sale in CA and ocean front property in AZ if you need to spend more of that gold. LOL

 

TM

[watab kid]

i wonder if he was wearing it to show some affiliation  to an indian tribe , that was not uncommon back then , 

[Choctaw Jack]

Maybe a variation of the Vaquero's sash?

[Equanimous Phil]

2 hours ago, watab kid said:

i wonder if he was wearing it to show some affiliation  to an indian tribe , that was not uncommon back then

I watched the movie yesterday (for the first time) and that was my impression, too. Valdez said that he was "hunting Apaches until he knew better" indicating quite a change of heart and maybe some touching experiences and encounters. Also his commitment and dedication to raise money for the widow squaw shows a great bond and solidarity.

[Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646]

Get yourself a good hat.

 

Imis

[Wolf Creek Bodine]

2 hours ago, Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646 said:

Get yourself a good hat.

 

Imis

For the Valdez outfit?  Got that covered.  In fact, the entire outfit grew out of having been playing around with one of my old beaters.

[watab kid]

20 hours ago, Equanimous Phil said:

I watched the movie yesterday (for the first time) and that was my impression, too. Valdez said that he was "hunting Apaches until he knew better" indicating quite a change of heart and maybe some touching experiences and encounters. Also his commitment and dedication to raise money for the widow squaw shows a great bond and solidarity.

yes , that was not all that common back then , 

[T.K.]

Valdez previously fought the Apache tribe for the US Army. The ARMY used Apaches from more peaceful tribes to track and scout out the waring tribes. The belt in question could have been a war trophy, or sometimes fancy beaded belts or amulets were given to individuals a sort of "Free pass" through indian territory or possibly as a gift for bravery in battle.

[Stump Water]

Note the hat band also.

[Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967]

Suggestion:  Google "Beaded Guitar Strap" (or go to Amazon or Etsy).  You may find a suitable one to which you can add leather to the ends.  Actually, the one that Bob's wearing looks like the costume people may have done just that.