Bolo

A celebration of a unique American art form, Bolo showcases more than 500 bolo pieces, many of which have never before been published, alongside photographs of cultural icons wearing them.

With origins in the American southwest more than one hundred years ago, the bolo tie is a handcrafted form of jewellery that can take many forms, embracing motifs from nature, animals, and geometry. Some bolos are quite simple, stunning pieces of engraved silver; others are ornate and opulent, with inlaid mosaics and intricate designs of precious gems and stones.

While bolos embody the heritage and style of the American West, they are also customised to become powerful forms of self-expression. These art pieces have long captured the attention of artists, musicians, and style-forward individuals. Photographs include American icons showing many different ways to look good in a bolo, such as Bob Dylan wearing a turquoise-studded bear claw bolo or Bob Weir in his peyote bird bolo, among many others.

The book highlights artists who have shaped the medium, especially Native American artisans. Featuring work from the communities of Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni artists, as well as others around the country, the book is organised thematically, allowing readers to discover connections across eras, regions, and styles.

A fashion statement and a cultural touchstone, every bolo tells a story. Beautiful photographs showcase each piece's craftsmanship and character, and the texts provide context and insight into their origins and symbolism.