Joel Wood Taos 1974 Handcrafted Leather Bag with Sterling Silver Conchos

Handcrafted in 1974 by Joel Wood of Taos, New Mexico, this remarkable full-grain leather shoulder bag represents the height of Southwestern artisan craftsmanship. Signed inside the flap “Joel Wood Taos ’74,” the piece showcases the enduring quality and design ethos that made Wood’s workshop—Letherwerks—a Taos institution for more than four decades.

The bag’s supple, full-grain leather is enriched by a natural patina and fitted with sterling silver conchos at the front and sides—signature elements of Taos’ leather-and-silver tradition. Every detail, from the hand-stitched seams to the shaped body and adjustable strap, reflects meticulous, small-batch artistry. The result is both utilitarian and elegant: a wearable piece of Taos history and a testament to the enduring spirit of Southwestern craft.

Condition:

Good overall condition, with age-appropriate wear, light scuffs, and minor surface scratches. The leather remains soft, supple, and recently conditioned. Silver retains a mellow patina; stitching is tight and secure.

Dimensions:

Overall: 10 ¼ in H × 12 ½ in W × 3 ¼ in D
Strap length: 28 in

Context & Provenance:

Joel Wood’s Letherwerks workshop in Taos was known for its dedication to handcrafted, American-made leather goods. From the 1970s onward, Wood helped shape the Taos artisan scene, combining Western function with fine artistry. His workshop’s legacy remains one of the few surviving hand-leather studios in the region. Early, signed works like this 1974 example are rare, marking an authentic chapter in the story of New Mexico’s craft heritage.