Navajo & Zuni Bolo Ties

Click on the image below to enlarge. One very popular type of Southwestern Indian jewelry is the Bolo tie. Bolo, a derivative of the Spanish "Bola", for lariat, refers to the entire tie, including the leather straps and tips. This design, which is recognized all over the world as a symbol of the American West is said to have originated in the Scottsdale, Arizona area during the early 30's. The story has it that an Anglo rancher used a silver and turquoise belt buckle to secure the loop ties that held his cowboy style hat on his head in high wind. He would raise or lower the buckle on the cord to either secure his hat, or let it hang off his head and down his back, in the manner of the colonial Spanish vaqueros. This left the ends and the buckle only, showing on his collar, and a style was born. It must have spread very quickly, because within years, several Navajo silversmiths were producing ties with beautiful, handbraided leather or horsehair cords and silver tips. Often, collectors choose special bolo ties to display a particularly fine or large stone. This is especially popular among Zuni and Navajo men who can be seen on special occasions, wearing huge turquoise or turquoise and coral ties. The style seems to work equally well with fine silverwork or intricate inlay. This style has in some parts of the United States, all but replaced the traditional European cloth tie, or cravat. Kiva offers Navajo, Hopi and Zuni handmade bolo ties in a range of sizes and styles, each unique and each beautiful. While not necessarily for everyone, they are a strong, clear connection with our Western colonial and territorial past. Standard neck cords are braided, black or brown leather in 4-ply or 6 ply construction. Standard length is 36", but 42" are also available, for men or women over 5'10" .

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