Dan Simplicio Zuni BOLO TIE Sterling Silver Turquoise Mediteranian Branch Coral

Description

Dan Simplicio (1917-1969)
Zuni Sterling Silver Bolo Tie
Masterful Work!
Braided Black Leather Bolo Cord, Sterling Silver Bolo Tips
Dimensions - 1.9" X 1.1"
Sterling Silver Tips 2" length - Lanyard length is 18" X 2 = 36"
29.7 grams = 1.05 Troy ounces
(all measurement are approximate)
The lanyard has just been treated with a leather dressing to clean it and keep it supple.
The "Dan Simplicio" Bolo Tie
This wonderful Bolo Tie was made by the famous Zuni artist Dan Simplicio in the 1950's-1960's. He was born in 1917 and began producing jewelry in the early 1950's. He is perhaps most famous for his Cast pieces and the innovative use Turquoise Nuggets and Leaf Designs. It is said that the foliate elements were introduced after his exposure to classic European art while he was stationed there during WWII. The Simplicio family continues to give us masterful artists and have work that is featured in many high end galleries and collections. It can also be found in the major Native Jewelry catalogs and reference books. A few are listed below.
Description
This Bolo was made by a master Zuni Silversmith! It is attributable to Dan Simplicio due to its age, distinctive style, and the artistry of design and construction. As far as bolos go, it is an "Early Piece" (see the below information on "The History of the Bolo").
It seems that most of the jewelry made by Dan Simplicio was not signed. In fact most of the Native jewelry of this time frame is not. You may notice that this seems to have all the jewelry design elements that he introduced or made popular like his unique style of leaves, stamped water drops, and bezel work. He taught Jaun Calavaza (Effie's late husband) and his son Mike to make jewelry. I own a number of their pieces in my own collection and don't believe that this was made be anyone but Dan Simplicio. It is guaranteed to be Sterling Silver and authentic. The bolo tips are also Sterling Silver and are in very good contition. I have found no defects like cracked or loose stones (see condition comments on the Coral imperfection), noticable scratches, etc. in the pendant and tips. The Turquoise cabochon looks like it has some Basalt matrix. It has the warm tarnish patina of half a century of kind ownership.The braided black leather cord is in good condition and shows light evidence of wear. The old friction "clasp" is fine. This is a wonderful compact example of the skills of Dan Simplicio...I believe you will be pleased!
This is an opportunity to aquire a piece of Dan Simplicio Zuni jewelry at an advantageous price.
This amazing Bolo Tie is full of character and will be commented on by many people when you wear it. They
may compliment you and your taste in Zuni Jewelry.
The "BOLO" Story and Myths
According to Wikipedia - Silversmith Victor Cedarstaff of Wickenburg, Arizona claims to have invented the bolo tie in the late 1940's and later patented his slide design.
According to and article in "Sunset Magazine" (April 2002) - Victor Cedarstaff was riding his horse one day and his hat blew off. Wary of losing the silver-trimmed hatband, he slipped it around his neck. His companion joked, "That is a nice-looking tie you're wearing, Vic."  An idea incubated, and Cedarstaff soon fashioned the first bola tie. (the name derived from bola, "boleadora", and Argantine lariat).
It is also said that similar creation has been around since about 1886-1888 that was devised by North American pioneers. There is one on display in the Zuni community that dates from that time.
As an Arizonan, I have heard for years that the bolo tie first became popular in about 1948. At that time there was a radio station in Wickenburg, Arizona that was promoting the bolo as a fashion statement for cowboys. It caught on and was adopted by ranchers. Soon, celebrities, politicians, musicains, and the movie set were sporting them. In the early 1950's they became the official neckware fo the State of Arizona and then an iternational sensation in the 1980's. Partner, this is a fad from the frontier town of Wickenburg that has caught on!
Thanks!
Shipping anywhere in the USA is included, insurance is also included, of course...
Recomended Reference Books - This artist is referenced if there is a page # shown below
"AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY I" - Gregory Schaaf - page 290-291
"AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY II: A-L" - Gregory Schaaf
"HALLMARKS OF THE SOUTHWEST"- Barton Wright - page 156
"THE LITTLE BOOK OF SOUTHWESTERN SILVER" - Billie Hougart - page 316
"ZUNI JEWELRY" - Theda and Michael Bassman
***"ZUNI THE ART AND THE PEOPLE VOLUMES 1-3"- Barbara & Ed Bell
**'KNIFEWING AND RAINBOW MAN IN ZUNI JEWELRY" - Toshi Sei - pages 9, 12, 48, 96
(Inventory reference only, "b-123")