A decorative circular or oval metal medallion or disk, especially used in Southwest Native American jewelry and saddle ornamentation.
From Spanish 'concho' (shell), borrowed from Latin 'concha'. Named for its shell-like curved shape. Used in English for Native American decorative arts.
Concho decorations on Native American jewelry and saddles connect to the same word as seashells—early Spanish speakers saw the curve of these metals and thought of shells, showing how one shape inspired naming across totally different cultures.
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