Vintage handwoven cigarette wrapper belt in the prison art / folk art tradition.

Constructed from folded cigarette pack wrappers woven into an interlocking geometric pattern with an integrated woven buckle and closure (all one piece — no separate metal hardware).

Identifiable cigarette brands in the weave include Kool, Winston, Camel, and L&M. Based on wrapper graphics, this piece likely dates to the mid- to late-20th century (approximately 1960s–1980s, possibly earlier).

I acquired this at a garage sale in southern Florida in the mid-to-late 1980s and have kept it in my personal collection for roughly 40 years.

Condition: structurally strong and still flexible/wearable. Some wear to portions of the exposed foil surfaces consistent with age and use. No major breaks noted in the weave.

Approximate maximum wearable waist: 26 inches.

Interesting piece of Americana, outsider art, tobacco memorabilia, vintage folk craft.

The waist is tiny - I've thought over the years that it could be made to be a really interesting hat band though. 

This item will be shipped in a box to protect it.