Southwest Indian Jewelry Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA Bola Tie, Bolo Tie

Magnificent Eagle Bolo by Vera Luna

Category: Bola Tie, Bolo Tie
Origin: Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA
Medium: silver, leather, multi-gemstones
Size:
3-¾” x 3-½” eagle;
2-¼” x 2” Tip Eagles
Item # C4988B
Price: $1500

This piece is an exceptional example of mid-to-late 20th-century Zuni figural inlay craftsmanship by Vera Luna (1930-1982), created during her primary active period between 1970 and 1982.

The central slide and matching tips depict the Eagle Dancer (Kwahu), a revered figure in Pueblo ceremonial tradition symbolizing strength, wisdom, and a connection between the earthly world and the heavens.

The piece features custom hand-cut, channel-inlaid stones and shells set into sterling silver: Sleeping Beauty-style Turquoise forms the detailed feathers lining the wings and kilt accent, White Mother-of-Pearl & Gold Lip Shell form the head, body details, and lighter feathers, Mediterranean Red Coral is seen as accents in the kilt and torso bands, and Jet (Onyx) defines the wing tips, legs, and facial detailing.

Pendant from the standard sterling silver tips, Luna crafted full, miniature inlaid Eagle Dancers for the cord tips — a feature requiring significantly more skill and labor that greatly elevates its desirability among collectors.

Zuni multi-stone mosaic inlays — particularly large figural dance subjects like Eagle Dancers, Knifewing, and Rainbow Man — represent one of the most celebrated mid-century innovations in Southwestern Native American lapidary art.

Designated as the official state tie of New Mexico in 2007 (and Arizona's official state neckwear in 1971), the bolo tie holds deep cultural ties to Southwestern Native American and Western traditions.

The bolo is stamped V. Luna, the hallmark of Vera Luna (1930-1982), a Zuni Pueblo silversmith and lapidary artist, who was active between 1970 and 1982. Her specialty was precise mosaic channel inlay, most recognized for detailed depictions of Katsinas, figure dancers, and Apache Mountain Dancers (Gaan). She was from a notable family of Zuni artists, including her grand-uncle Latalio Luna, along with Isia Luna and Belle Luna.