Bolo, Inlay, Multi Stone, Novelty, Hereford Bull, Helen & Lincoln Zunie, Vintage ‘70s, 1909

A BOLD BOLO CAN ADD A LOT TO AN OUTFIT.

This beautiful vintage bolo is the work of renowned jewelry artisan couple Helen & Lincoln Zunie, well known for their inlay work, usually in cow and horse motifs. Dating back to the 1970s, the slide features a depiction of a Hereford bull beautifully crafted in chip inlay style using stones of turquoise, mother of pearl, black onyx, and orange spiny oyster, set in sterling silver. The cord is a traditional braided leather with sterling silver aiguillettes tipped with tiny squash blossoms. The signature inlay of these late artisans has begun to be recognized and sought after posthumously, so their work will be collectors

Lincoln Zunie (1938-1983, Zuni). Active 1960s-1970s. Channel inlay; figural inlay, often horse or cow motifs.  Father of Patty Zunie Edaakie. Brother of Joe and William Zunie. Lincoln Zunie shared the stamp with his wife Helen Zunie (d). 

• Helen and Lincoln Zunie were master silversmiths specializing in pictorial inlay work.

Helen Zunie (? - 2008; Zuni). Active 1960s - 1970s. Channel inlay, figural inlay, often horse or cow motifs. Helen Auie shared the stamp with her husband, Lincoln Zunie.

• artist: Helen & Lincoln Zunie (deceased)
• affiliation: Zuni
• hallmarks: unmarked but is clearly the work of Helen & Lincoln Zunie
• materials: sterling silver, turquoise, mother of pearl, shell, leather cord
• measurements: length: 37 1/2"  shield: 3" x 2"
• weight: 40 grams
• tension slide marked: BENNETT PAT. PEND. C31
• nice vintage condition
• stones are secure in their settings
• no stone chips or hairline fractures
• silver has a nice patina
• style: JN1909