Zuni | Artist signed L B Chavez | Knifewing Inlay Bolo Tie | Vintage 1970s | Sterling Silver

A Bit About The Piece:

A beautifully inticate inlayed Zuni Knifewing Vintage Bolo Tie with natural stones in sterling silver. The artist signature, "L B Chavez" is engraved on the back. 

Details, details...

The Stones: Turquoise, Mother of Pearl, Red Coral, Lapis Lazuli, and Jet or Black Coral

Main Piece: 

• 60 pieces of Black Coral or Jet
• 36 pieces of Mother of Pearl including
  • 24 white pieces
  • 5 yellow pieces
  • 7 pearlescent pieces
• 22 pieces of Turquoise
• 12 pieces of Lapis Lazuli
• 3 pieces of Red Coral 

The Piece: Handmade Stone and Shell Inlay Bolo Tie

• .925 sterling silver, solid (bolo and rope caps)
• artist engraved hallmark... on back of bolo 
• steel slide on back
• leatherette braided cord
• length of cord including ends: 45 inches (22.5" hanging length in photo)
• bolo dimensions: 75.53mm (2.97") length x 76.14mm (2.99") wingspan x 5.90mm (0.23") thick
• total weight including cord: 76.31 grams

About The Artist

We believe this piece was made by Louis B. Chavez in the late 1970s. He was a notable master jeweler and silversmith from the Zuni Pueblo. His work is considered a significant part of Zuni history. His use of traditional stones and materials were usually used to convey complex mythological themes and figures. He did a significant amount of work in collaboration with his wife, Felicita Chavez. 

 Wear Report

Bolo polish shows light wear with some very faint surface scratches and a few tiny chips may be present. Please see photos.