Diné – Navajo Silver and Turquoise Bola with Tips [SOLD]

The bola tie has become as much of a southwestern way of dress as cowboy boots and the ten-gallon hat. In fact, it is now by legislative decree the official neckwear of the state of Arizona. Victor E. Cedarstaff, of Wickenburg, Arizona, designed and handcrafted the first bola tie in the late 1940s.

“As he tells it, he got the idea by accident. He and some companions were out in the Bradshaw Mountains one day looking for wild horses. Vic spotted one and gave it a chase; and then his hat blew off, and with it the silver-tipped leather hatband. He retrieved both and hastily slipped the hatband around his neck. One of the riders noticed it and said: ‘Nice tie you’ve got there, Vic.’ That remark turned out to be more than casual from Vic’s viewpoint because it sparked an idea” (Kramer, 1978).

This Southwest Indian Jewelry bola tie features a beautiful thick round turquoise stone secured in a razorback bezel and secured to a thick silver backing that is decorated with silver wire designs.  The leather ends are capped with silver tips.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: Joan Blevins

Reference:  Bola Tie, New Symbol of the West, by “Bola Bill” Kramer, Northland Press, 1978.