Description: Sammy and Esther Guardian Zuni Multi-Inlaid Sterling Silver and Braided Leather Cardinal Bolo Tie The piece was made by husband-and-wife silversmiths Sammy and Esther Guardian. First active in 1972, they were known for this detailed form of inlay, which is created by cutting with a coping saw the fine lines and images, going back in with a file, then soldering the silver foundation onto a backplate. Then begins the process of cutting each stone or shell and laying it into the recessed design. The Guardians looked to nature for their imagery: songbirds, cardinals, horses, roadrunners, ducks, red berry bushes, cactus and cattails. The artists can be found in several reference books on Native American jewelry. A photograph of each artist along with an example of a cardinal decorated ring appears in Gregory Schaaf's book American Indian Jewelry 1. Their work is also featured in Volume 2 of Zuni the Art and the People by Ed, Barbara and Steve Bell with Ralph and Jerry Mcqueary, as well as Theda Bassman's book Zuni Jewelry and Barton Wright's volume 2000 Hallmarks of the Southwest. The red cardinal is revered for its color and said to represent joy and good luck. Because of its bright color and distinctive whistle, the cardinal is also a reminder to see, listen, and pay attention. Cardinals mate for life, so the birds are also symbolic of relationships and love and can represent the wish that a couple have a long-lasting marriage or union. This lovely Native American piece was made by Zuni husband and wife team Sammy and Esther Guardian. The piece features a solid sterling silver slide decorated with a cardinal motif.. The slide rests on a braided black leather bolo tie finished with solid sterling aiguillettes. Measurements: Approx. Overall length is 44”. When worn if set evenly 22” length. Approx. measurements of Side is 2.5” at widest point x 2.5” at longest height. Condition: The piece is in very good vintage condition with all inlay intact, light wear. The Zuni (Zuni: A:shiwi; formerly spelled Zuñi) are Native American Pueblo peoples native to the Zuni Native American jewelry contains many available resources such as but not limited to. Claws, bone, wood, red coral, turquoise, rainbow abalone shell, jasper, jet & malachite. A Bolo tie (sometimes bola tie or shoestring necktie) is a type of necktie consisting of a piece of cord or braided leather with decorative metal tips (called aiguillettes) and secured with an ornamental clasp or slide. NOTE I am not removing the tarnish from the slide. It is a part of this piece and could devalue the item in some eyes. If you get this wonderful item you can clean it or have it clean if you prefer it to be shiny.
Price: 625 USD
Location: Port Charlotte, Florida
End Time: 2024-12-04T22:43:20.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Brand: Zuni husband and wife team Sammy and Esther Guardian.
Type: Bolo Tie
Closure: Bolo
Color: Red
Style: Bolo Tie
Metal: Silver
Tribal Affiliation: Zuni
Vintage: Yes
