Turquoise and Red Coral Chip Inlay Peyote Bird Silver Bolo [SOLD]

This lovely Navajo Nation jewelry bolo tie features coral and turquoise chip inlay, silver stamping, and a braided leather strap with silver cones.  A trapezoidal silver base was fashioned, stamped, and inlaid with red coral and turquoise.  The central figure is a peyote bird, inlaid with striking red coral and rising like a phoenix through the sky.  

Stamping was applied to the silver to the effect of several sizes of half- moons and lines signaling the movement of the bird through the air. Blue hues of turquoise were inlaid in chip-fashion in the upper right and stamped around.  This peyote bird bolo is sweet and succinct.

Although signed, we have not been able to determine the identity of the artist (see signature below). 

The inventor of chip inlay was Tommy Singer (1940-2014), a silversmith who was a member of the Navajo Nation from Winslow Arizona.   Singer grew up on the Navajo reservation and was taught his craft by his father beginning at the age of seven.  Over time, he honed his craft working from a small studio surrounded by friends and family.  Singer is credited with inventing the “chip-inlay” technique in the 1960’s alongside his brothers William, Charlie and Jackie.  They did so using inlaid turquoise and coral pieces in silver laid out in traditional Navajo designs.  

When asked about his work, Singer said, "Every piece is made with the various meanings from my traditional ways - the Navajo way of living. My father was a silversmith, too. He taught me, and wanted me to continue this trade. It was my father's dream that I learn to silversmith so that I could continue his beliefs (Gregory Schaaf, 2003, page 292)." 

The bolo tie is a Western fashion staple, hailed for its comfort and versatility. Employing several types of clasps, the bolo tie can be worn with a closed or loosened collar. In the 1930's, Navajo men would fasten a silver concha to their necks with a string. The bolo tie is also traced to the neckerchiefs worn by Boy Scouts and Argentine cowboys. In the United States bolo ties are widely associated with Western wear, and are common in the western areas of the country. New Mexico passed a non-binding measure to designate the bolo as the state's official neckwear in 1987. The State Legislature adopted the bolo tie as the official State Tie on March 13, 2007. Source: Maggie Toulouse Oliver, New Mexico Secretary of State , (website)

Condition: This bolo is in almost original condition. 

Provenance: This Turquoise and Red Coral Chip Inlay Peyote Bird Silver Bolo is from an estate in eastern Washington. 

Resources: American Indian Jewelry I by Gregory Schaaf page 292

Recommended Reading: Evolving Southwest Indian Jewelry by Nancy N. Schiffer (Author)

Relative Links: Navajo Nation, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Tommy Singer, Charlie Singer