Bolo by William Matthews

A celebration of a unique American art form, this volume 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 jewelry that can take many forms, embracing motifs from nature, animals, and geometry. Some bolos are quite simple—stunning pieces of engraved silver—others ornate and opulent, with inlaid mosaics and intricate designs of precious gems and stones. But while bolos embody the heritage and style of the American West, they are also customized to become powerful forms of self-expression. These art pieces have long captured the attention of artists, musicians, and style-forward individuals, and photographs include American icons showing many different ways to look good in a bolo—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 others around the country, the book is organized 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, symbolism.