Best Navajo Bolo attr. Helen Long Natural Morenci Turquoisel Best Silver Work

Description

Welcome!
I'm offering a museum quality piece from my private collection with a powerful and joyful aura, created by an Arizona Living Treasure. Helen Long, Navajo, originated the form of this Yei Kachina figure and she was the acknowledged master of this form. She was awarded the Arizona Indian Living Treasures Award in 1999. Examples of her work are included in the Peabody Museum, Harvard University in Cambridge, MA as well as the Heard Museum.  She is referenced in Barton Wright's book Hallmarks of the Southwest as well as in Gregory Schaaf's volume American Indian Jewelry I 1,200 Artist Biographies. I have seen pieces of hers such as this bolo selling for multiple thousand dollars. Of interest is that she married into the family of Alonzo Hustito, Zuni, another great master silversmith and he learned to make pieces like these from her during that time. So from time to time, you'll see similar pieces to hers, which he signed. But this one is definitely her original work. I guarantee that. This is especially important now
because
I see pieces falsely attributed to her and with signatures that aren't hers. There are fakes offered because her work like this is very much more valuable than my own pricing on it. Be careful out there. This is an early piece of hers, pre-Bennett and before she routinely signed, dating
before the late 50s, and with numerous exact aspects of hers.
This is a very early piece with gorgeous natural turquoise with lovely pyrite inclusions, which I believe is natural Morenci mine turquoise, and beautifully detailed hand-worked silver with appliques and very fine stamping, carving, twisted wires and raindrops. It is unsigned however I guarantee it's her work. I have handled a dozen of her pieces and know her work well, so I'm confident this is an earlier piece of hers which she did not sign but is one of her best. Helen Long's work resides in many of the major museums and is featured in many books. You'll find a strikingly similar piece to this one depicted in the pictures in the beginning of Barton Wright's "Hallmarks of the Southwest" and it's in the Heard Museum. These excellent works are entirely hand made, so no two are alike. This bolo has a strong presence.
This bolo is large at 3-3/4" tall x 2" wide. It is in excellent vintage collectible and wearable condition with no problems at all. The tips measure about 2-5/8" high and the tie end to end with the tips measures about 40". The tips appear original, old and very nice (I love these old tips, which create a lot of the excellent quality feel for a piece like this), and the tie is in good condition. The tie is held with hand made runners, pre-dating the Bennets. The turquoise is exceptionally gorgeous as well; not pieced together but chosen as top notch. This bolo always evokes admiring comments and it's so comfortable to wear. If you're looking for an authentic museum piece, a true collector's item, that you can thoroughly enjoy owning, you've found it. What a special present! It is a fabulous example of one of the great Navajo silversmiths in history.
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Returns will be accepted for 30 days after your receipt for any reason and without question. Please let me know if you would like to return something. Returns must be in the same condition they were shipped. If I make a significant mistake in a listing I'll always give you a full refund. The 20% restocking fee does not apply when the mistake is mine. I care that you're happy and about my accuracy, and will always stand behind my work. My attributions are guaranteed for my lifetime.
When I include pages from published books in my listings it is in accordance with Fair Use Law, which permits the use of source material for discussion, reference, education and criticism.
Attributions on many of the old pieces of Native American jewelry are sometimes a moving target. All the books have errors, so in addition to counterchecking, I have developed some expertise over the years and I do care about getting it right, so as more information comes to light I update my listings and also get in touch with my previous buyers, to inform them of any changes in attributions. I am sincerely committed to ongoing accuracy.
Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. Most pieces are museum worthy and gallery suitable, sold to you at great pricing. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you're starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear or gift. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes.