Texas Spur - 1866 
Pen & Ink on Antique Map
Texas is nicknamed the Lone Star State, symbolizing its independent spirit, as well as its former status as an independent republic. Texas is the second-largest state in the Union by both area and population. In 1845, Texas joined the United States of America as the 28th state. Texas is known for its cowboy culture and boasts a rich cowboy heritage with cultural icons like the Texas Rangers. In 1930, “Friendship” was adopted as the Texas state motto. The motto was most likely chosen because the name, o Texas or Tejas, was the Spanish pronunciation of the local Indian tribe's word meaning friends.
A spur is a metal tool designed to be worn on the heels of riding boots for the purpose of directing a horse to move forward or laterally while riding. Spurs are used to refine the riding commands. 
Like many elements of cowboy culture, spurs were brought to the western United States by Mexican vaqueros in the mid-nineteenth century. The vaquero spur evolved into several different types in the United States during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Though often decorated throughout history, in the 15th century, spurs became an art form in both decoration and design with elaborate engraving, very long shanks and large rowels. More likely, the elaborate designs reflected the increased abundance of precious metals, particularly silver. 
Spurs are one of the distinctive pieces of equipment that have been used by horsemen throughout the ages. In the days of chivalry, spurs and the metal from which they were made, were a mark of rank. Hence the expression "to earn your spurs." Today they are a standard piece of cowboy equipment and as with most horse equipment, the design varies widely depending upon the region and the wearer.
I combine antique atlas maps with the art of pen & ink drawing. Using my version of stippling with my own creative perspectives. The background for this drawing of a western saddle is on a Texas map, which was published in 1866 by Francis McNally Atlas.