Buckle

A buckle is a fastening mechanism commonly used to secure two ends of a belt, strap, or band. It typically consists of a frame with a hinged pin (also called a prong or tongue) that fits into holes or slots on the strap to secure it in place. Buckles are widely used in various applications, including clothing, accessories, and safety equipment. 

Bicycle belt buckle Flickr

The Ancient Egyptians used cloth ties and broaches or buckles to hold their clothes together.

In ancient Greece both men and women wore the chiton, a draped garment that was sewn up one side and fastened at the shoulder by a clasp or buckle. The woman's garment fell to the ankles; the man's usually reached only to the knees. The chiton was made of wool, cotton, linen, or silk.

Roman soldiers often wore ornate buckles as status symbols. 

Buckles were prominent in medieval fashion, with elaborate designs often used to showcase wealth and social standing.  

Post medieval buckle

In the 18th century, rich Europeans decorated their shoes with gold and silver buckles and real or imitation gemstones.

Colonial American women's dress shoes copied those in France and England and were made of brocade and had a French heel and usually a buckle; to protect the shoe, an overshoe, called a patten, often of the same material, was worn.

The shoestring (string and shoe holes) was first invented in England in 1790 . Before shoestrings, shoes were commonly fastened with buckles.

Thomas Jefferson dressed in shoes with bright buckles.

Texas is famous for its oversized and ornate belt buckles, often showcasing state pride or personal interests.