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Vintage Zuni Fetish Bolo by Sam Delena
What a magnificent find! Vintage Zuni fetish bolo. The bolo has a carved bear fetish that lying on his side that has been set in a smooth bezeled holder along with two turquoise stones, each from a different mine and also set in smooth bezels. With silver feathers, two larger ones on each side at top, two smaller on each side in middle and two at each corner across the bottom. The artist has laid hooked scrolls around the edges and a design on each side of the stones and between the fetish and first stone. The end tips have the large beads at end with multiple sunrise stampwork on the beads and bird talons hanging from the end tips. The extremely large bolo pendant measures 4 5/8" by 3 3/4" with the end tips measuring over 3 1/4" including the talons. The bear fetish itself measures 1 7/8" by 1 5/8" and is 7/8" tall. I believe the fetish is carved from serpentine with jet eyes? The bolo weighs in at a respectful 138.5 grams (4.67 ounces) which is over 1/4 pound! I believe it's sterling silver, but guarantee it's coin silver or better. I don't want to use the acid to test it whereas it will leave a spot on the plate. The braided leather cord measures approximately 31" without the end tips. There has been a place under the fetish that's cut out showing the Zuni artist' signature, Sam Delena. He began producing in 1941 thru the 90's. I believe this bolo is from the 50's era. Mr Delena is the son-in-law of George Haloo Cheechee, another respected Zuni fetish carver. This bolo already has a story to tell. I was contacted by a man in Kentucky that had received it as payment for work on a boat by a gentleman passing through. I'm sure if it could talk, that is just a small part of the stories and travels it has made. $749.95 SOLD THANK YOU! Please check out our other selections!