This beautiful vintage bolo tie and tips are hand crafted Zuni work. Simple hand tooled silver work with precisely set inlay of spiny oyster shell, mother-of-pearl, jet and natural turquoise form a traditional Zuni thunder bird figure. The matching design is also shown in the two bolo tips that feature smaller full figured thunder birds. The back portion of the bolo has a heavy double wire compression back holding the braided leather cord. The bolo measures 2" long by 1 5/8" wide with the matching bolo tips measuring 1 1/2" long by 1"wide.
The Zuni are known for their fine silversmithing, which began in the 1870's after learning fundamental techniques from the Navajo. Lanyade was the first Zuni silversmith, who learned the art from Atsidi Chon, a Navajo smith. By 1880, Zuni jewelers already set turquoise in silver. Today jewelry making thrives as an art form in at the Zuni Pueblo. Many Zuni have become master silversmiths and have perfected the skill of stone inlay, channel inlay, needlepoint and petit point. They found that by using small pieces of stone they were able to create intricate designs and unique patterns. Their style of work is very tedious and time consuming.
Unfortunately many of the Zuni jewelry designs have been reproduced in Asia and are being sold in the U.S. as authentic Zuni jewelry. Buy from reputable dealers and ask for a written guarantee that the piece is American Zuni made.
