FINE Native American Sterling Silver Zuni Roadrunner Inlaid Bolo ~Attributed VBL - $328 - (Deerfield, VA)

This auction is for an exquisite sterling silver Zuni bolo with an inlaid iconic roadrunner. This important work of Zuni art can be attributed to artists Velma & Blake Lesansee, a husband & wife team working since the mid-1950s. They are known for their superb work with the most beautiful inlaid stones available and choice of special subjects (such as roadrunners, owls, hummingbirds). For comparison, I have included photos of this unsigned early Lesansee roadrunner bolo compared to my later signed Lesansee roadrunner bolo (front view and back view). There is a striking resemblance and I am certain this unsigned bolo is an early handcrafted Lesansee bolo. As with many Native American artists, their early work was sometimes unsigned. The iconic roadrunner is the most famous bird of the Southwestern US and often appears in Native American art. The glorious bird prefers to run (sometimes reaching 15 miles per hour) but can fly when necessary. This roadrunner bolo was made with beautiful gemstones inlaid on sterling silver. The colors of the inlaid stones in the roadrunner are brilliant! The roadrunner bolo is a substantial size at 2 3/4" side to side by 1 3/8" high. It weighs 28.6 grams in total. The roadrunner's sterling notched legs are outstretched as if running across gemstones inlaid at the base of the bolo. There are beautiful hand stampings across the very bottom of the bolo. I believe the stones include turquoise, coral, onyx, mother of pearl and shell. This inlaid work in sterling silver reflects that of the finest Zuni silversmiths. There is a black braided leather cord with decorated sterling tips on the bolo. The bolo itself is not marked as sterling but tested for sterling (both the bolo & tips). The roadrunner bolo is in excellent vintage condition with no damage to the stones or silver work. There could be small surface scratches consistent with use. There is some tarnish from age that could be polished out. The back of the bolo is an unmarked Bennett …

Posted in Deerfield, VA, Collectibles
From ebay.com - 1 month ago