Neckerchief - The Cowboys Leatherman

[Joe Rios]

I've heard it called a neckerchief, a bandanna or a wild rag. Whatever you call it, there's no debate over the fact that this piece of ageless technology is still of use today. A functional, multipurpose device which has many, many uses. Measuring approximately 36" squared, though some are smaller, it was made from silk or cotton. Although I would venture to say other fabrics are also used. It's uses are limited only by the imagination.

Some uses:

Hold down your hat on a windy day.
Protect your ears against the cold.
Protect your hand against a hot pot or skillet.
A makeshift rope.
A sling.
A bandage.

There are many more.....

Yesterday I happened to be cutting my grass, what's left of it due to the drought, and happened to wear a neckerchief. I wore it around my neck to keep it from getting sunburned. After a while in the heat, I wet the neckerchief and placed it around my neck to keep me a little cooler. The mower kicked up a bunch of dust so I swung it around and covered up my nose and mouth. I used it to blow my nose. I used it to wipe the sweat out of my eyes, and no, not with the same part I used to blow my nose. I used it to beat the dust off my jeans and shirt before I went into the house.

I think I paid four bucks for it in Llano. Now that's what I call more bang for your buck!

I thought, with everyone's help we could come up with a, "101 uses for the neckerchief" list.

Thanks for your replies!
Joe

[George D Rodriguez]

1. Back in the early 60's it was tied around the lower part of the leg as a fashion statement.
2. Tied around the horses eyes to prevent him from being able to see.
3. Used to hobble a horse.
After more thinking I should be able to come up with more but right now My brain hurts.

[Joe Rios]

1. Back in the early 60's it was tied around the lower part of the leg as a fashion statement.

I remember my friend and I used to do that back in the early 80's after we saw "Chachi" on Happy Days do it. How lame is that? LOL

[Rick Rea]

Dip that neckerchief in some cold water and hold it on your forehead for awhile that should help the pain in your brain.

[Mike Franklin]

4. To wipe your eyes
5. To blow your nose
6. To look cool
7. As a bag to carry stuff

[Augustus McCrae]

I wear one every day at work to keep the sweat out of my eyes as a head band. I also have always called it a wild rag. Thanks for the pics Joe, makes me homesick. I lived in Brownwood area for a lot of years and have hunted in Llano area lots.

[Mundo]

I've used it to strain the pollywogs outta the water, a gas cap, a flag on my dune-buggy, gather pinon nuts, a lobster bib, a dog collar, a dish cloth, make-shift skull cap, and a gift if I forgot to bring one.

[Sixgun]

Joe your grass is dead you can quit mowing now. lol
Six

[Joe Rios]

LOL!! I know Six. As you can probably tell by the pictures I live in the country. When I first moved otu there I spread some Bermuda seed, fertlized and watered it. Lawn looked pretty good for a while. Then I realized I was spending too much money on water. Texas summers are just too hot.

Well, now I have a bunch of stickers, weeds and some real Bermuda grass all growing together. To add to that, ny house sits in the middle of a field so there's some coastal in there to boot! So we'll say I was just spot mowing. At least I won't have to mow again for a while if this dry spell continues.

Thanks for the laugh,
Joe

[Joe Rios]

Sorry about the typos. I was sending the reply from my phone.

[Mike Franklin]

My yard looks a lot like those pictures from Iraq. The only thing green I have growing is some old bread on the table, I call it my garden.

[Oklahombre]

In the military you can use it as a do-rag to protect a bald head when wearing a steel pot or Kevlar helmet. I've used a bandana to protect my bald head while wearing both a pot and Kevlar. It will also protect your head from sunburn.

[Christopher Zimmerman]

Hobo Joe put his belongings in a bandana and tied it to the end of a stick.