A spokesperson says---
“...Cowboy Craft: Traditional Art of the West highlights the exceptional handcrafted work made by select true cowboy members of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association…
...Saddlemaking, bit and spur making, hand silversmithing, and rawhide braiding are the four main categories that the Association promotes, ensuring that these skills of the cowboy culture of the North American West live on, through educational and exhibition opportunities for its members. While the origin of cowboy tools lies in functionality, making them beautiful became an undeniable urge and desired quality.
Symbolizing the connection between horse and rider, the saddle is an iconic piece of cowboy life. Decorative motifs and textures are hand-toolled by master artisans, deftly manipulating light and dark to create an illusory relief in the saddle’s leather.
Silversmithed pieces such as buckles, silver saddle embellishments, or jewelry, often feature customized carvings personal to the maker or user. The traditional technique of a western silversmith is a rare expertise which utilizes bright cut engraving for elaborate designs that reflect light in precious metals..."
