The nature of this piece leads me to believe it was made for ceremonial use, as the size and incredible craftsmanship is like no other Navajo bolo tie I have ever seen anywhere. This bolo weighs 130 grams, measures 4.5″ by 2.75″ at it widest points, the longest of the five claws is 1.25″ and the stones measure .75″ x 1″ and 13/16″ x .75″–due to the light turquoise hue of the main stones it’s hard for me to identify them as being from the #8 mine with 100% certainty, but I’d go 95%. The smaller stones are from the Sleeping Beauty mine. The bear claws are authentic, the silversmithing is completely over-the-top, and the piece is signed by “EJ” over a half circle—I haven’t been able to identify this artisan which isn’t unusual for pieces from this time period and of this caliber—this piece was made by a Native American for a Native American. The lanyard is 36″ long including the tips. This is a one-of-a-kind Navajo creation made by a very talented artisan. Excellent condition with nice age patina.
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