Southwest Indian Jewelry: Bola Tie, Bolo Tie

The bolo tie, a distinctive piece of neckwear, is widely recognized in the United States as a staple of Western attire, particularly prevalent in the country's western regions. New Mexico's appreciation for this iconic accessory is evident in its legislative history. In 1987, the state passed a non-binding resolution to designate the bolo tie as its official neckwear. This symbolic gesture was later solidified on March 13, 2007, when the State Legislature officially adopted the bolo tie as the official State Tie. (Source: Wikipedia)

Southwestern Indians have been using shell and stone to make jewelry since prehistoric times. After the arrival of the Spanish, they added silver to the materials they used. Fine examples of older jewelry are available at the gallery. Most of the jewelry dates from the time period just after the Second World War.