Significance Of Bolo Ties In Native American Culture

Worn throughout the western region in the United States from the early 1900s, bolo ties started as a Native American or Navajo accessory before it became one of the most recognizable and loved state neckwear of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Over the period, they have been called by many names, such as neck ropes, slide ties, cowboy ties, gaucho ties, and more. You will find a variety of Native American bolo ties for sale online as well as online, often including coins, turquoise details, and braided leather cord.

         

Although it cannot be clearly said that exactly when the bolo became popular, however, it is considered that some of the earliest bolo ties sprung up during the 1930s when the Navajo men from Zuni, Hopi and other tribes started wearing bandanas around their necks. At that time, these bandanas were held together with strings, and later with shell-like structures, which later came to be known as “bolo” ties. Usually, early bolo ties did not include artist signatures and are rare antiques even today. There are some of the most intricate and beautiful pieces, which, as per historians have been made by Native American silversmiths.

Just like many different types of Native American jewelry items, initially, bolo ties were created only for personal use rather than trading. They are recognizable for their inlaid turquoise stones and detailed silversmith work. Since the 1930s and 40s, bolo ties have gone through a variety of changes and adaptations to the bolo tie, however, it has always remained a staple to the Native American people as well as many other communities who live across the Southwest.

Are you a huge fan of the Navajo art or looking to bring the centuries-old art form to your home? Get your hands on Native American bolo ties for sale and embrace your love for the art.

Must-Own Bolo Tie Styles For a Unique Collection

Bolo ties are sentimental family heirlooms that get passed on from one generation to another. A father gives it to his son and no matter the son decides to wear it or not, he attaches certain sentimental value to it. This is the reason people keep a collection of bolo ties. Just like collector of other objects like matchboxes, stamps, currencies and what not, there are people who like to keep a well-presented bolo tie collection. Here are some bolo tie styles that could help you create a unique bolo tie collection. You might even consider gifting them to a friend who keeps a bolo tie collection.

• 1. Standard bolo ties- These come in a wide variety of styles. Go for the African Jade antique scroll bolo tie that holds a large African Jade stone, which is forest green in color with faint "marbling" in lighter shades of green. The slide features an elegant edging of finely detailed scroll-work with a scalloped edging hugging the stone. African Jade beaded edge bolo tie is another standard bolo tie style you can go with. It features a large African Jade stone that is set in a 4-prong setting with a beaded edge. If you want a bolo tie that features the African Jade stone sitting in a concho style slide with a scalloped edging and attractive detail, the African Jade concho style bolo tie is what you want to choose. Another must-own bolo tie style for your collection is the American flag bolo tie features a hand enameled insert (set in a beaded edge slide) depicting old Glory against a blue background.
  2. Premium Bolo Ties- These feature style and elegance, and have extraordinary stones and distinctive settings that make a notable statement for either formal or informal occasions. Want an antique deign bolo tie? Go for a black lace antique design bolo tie featuring a large black lace cabochon sitting in an antique design slide with black inlay and a bezel edge surrounding the stone. For a bolo tie that features a rich blue coloring with a whitish or yellowish feathering, get the lapis lazuli bezel edge bolo tie featuring a lapis lazuli stone.
  3. Turquoise Bolo Ties- These feature genuine Turquoise cabochons that are mined and processed in the United States. If you want to own a bolo tie that features real Arizona turquoise and real metal matrix, buy a Turquoise mojave purple bolo tie online that features a large Mojave purple turquoise cabochon with a bronze matrix. Ensure it is crafted through a process that uses a hydraulic press to assemble turquoise nuggets together along with introducing the bronze metal matrix throughout the brick of turquoise.