Well known Zuni artist, Nora Leekity, (active 1940's-1970) began making jewelry for the trade in the early 1940's. She is most well known for her unique and lovely horse bolo ties and buckles. Her unique pieces were meticulously handmade in Sterling Silver.
This wonderful bolo tie and matching tips depicts a saddled horse and is set with turquoise, cowry shell, pin shell and Mother of Pearl. The body portion of Nora's horses are often raised and smooth material, to give it a realistic look. A deep smooth patina graces the silver. This bolo tie offers the best of Nora's work, with her distinct horse design and precise silver work.
The bolo measures 2 5/8" long by 2 1/4" tall, with 2 3/4" matching saddle tips. The total length, including the tips is 40". No signature, which was common on many of Nora's early pieces. Circa: late 1950's.
Her work is published in Zuni Jewelry, the Art and the People, Vol 1, by Barbara and Ed Bell, American Indian Jewelry 1, by Gregory Schaaf.
