Virgil and Shirley Benn Pearl and Turquoise Zuni Ram’s Head Bolo [SOLD]

In the world of Southwestern Native art, little is more intriguing than work produced by a blend of different tribes.  Shirley Benn Nampeyo is the great-granddaughter of Nampeyo of Hano and married to Virgil Benn, of Zuni.  There is definite influence of both artist’s heritage in this ram’s head bolo.  

The majesty of a large male ram is apparent when one encounters him in everyday life, and the artists managed to capture this image in precious metal and stone.  Expertly formed, a sterling silver base was first created. Hiding except for its channels for inlay, the exception to this is a twisted portion along the ram’s neck that creates texture and continuity with the braided leather of the bolo.  

Magnificent pieces of mother of pearl were selected in varying shades.  The ram’s horns are iridescent and warm and have been incensed with detail that allows them to be three dimensional and lifelike.  The ram’s head, neck and ear feature a very pearly white, that when turned in any direction— delightfully beams rainbow colors.

Turquoise has been sagely added along the ram’s neck in durable pieces that meld with its silver binding and range in colors from light, robin’s egg blue, to green and back to rich sky blue.  The inlay for the turquoise pieces is several triangles and adds a geometric aspect reminiscent of that which often ornaments pottery.  Between the flawless inlay work, the realistic nature and perfection in the ram’s head and the grounding geometric collar, this bolo is unique and outstanding—something that could be donned for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.  The ram’s head hangs from braided leather capped classically in conical silver cones closed at their base by small silver globes.     

Shirley Benn Nampeyo (1936-) is Hopi-Tewa but worked at Zuni Pueblo as she wed into the Zuni tribe when she married Virgil Benn.  She makes pottery and jewelry.  Being the great-granddaughter of Nampeyo, she is also the granddaughter of Annie Healing; Niece of Rachel Namingha Nampeyo; daughter of Daisy Hooee; sister of Louella Naha Inote and Raymond Naha. 

"I learned most of my pottery from my grandmother, and when I got to doing more my mother helped with shaping. She taught me the ways to make them. The pottery maidens [Zuni Olla Maidens, a performance group that carries large water jars on their heads] would come in summertime, and she [Daisy] would help them make pottery. I learned to mix paint from my mom and learned about the designs, where they come from. I am also a silversmith, I do channel work, necklaces, bolos, and pins." -Shirley Benn (Dillingham 1994:42)

Condition: This Virgil and Shirley Benn Pearl and Turquoise Zuni Ram's Head Bolo is in pristine condition.  There is some wear to the leather of the bolo and patina to the silver beads. 

Provenance: This  bolo is from an estate in eastern Washington. 

Reference: Dillingham, Rick. Fourteen Families in Pueblo Pottery, 1994.

Relative Links: Hopi Pueblo, Nampeyo, Annie Healing, Rachel Namingha Nampeyo, Daisy Hooee, Raymond Naha, Zuni Pueblo, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Virgil and Shirley Benn Nampeyo