A Historical Guide On Bolo Ties - The Silversmiths Of Native America

Bolo ties have strings and turquoise ornaments, and are a type of neckwear especially popular in Western wear, where they substitute for ties and are used as casual to semi-formal wear. Bolo ties have become a trend which furiously swept the American Nation that goes way back to the 1900s. A type of necktie consisting of a piece of cord or braided leather with decorative metal tips (called aiguillettes) and secured with an ornamental clasp or slide, these ornamental objects are widely associated with Western wear and are generally most common in the western areas of the country. Bolo tie slides and tips in silver have been part of Hopi, Navajo, Zuni, and Puebloan silversmithing traditions since the mid-20th century.  In fact, the term "pawn" jewelry refers to old Native American jewelry originally traded for money or goods. Trading post dealers commonly accepted Indian jewelry for credit. Here are some highlights as to how influential they have been:

• 1971: The bolo tie was made the official neckwear of Arizona. 
• 1987: New Mexico passed a non-binding measure to designate the bolo as the state's official neckwear.
• 2007: The bolo tie was named the official tie of Texas.

Immortalized in Pulp Fiction's costume design, we have seen these ornaments on Vincent Vega. Bolo ties and strings, as accessories, were first popular among rockabilly revivalists and new wavers in the 1980s. Bob Dylan became associated with the fashion long before it became commonplace. However, the people who wore them were called Teddy Boys, and Bob Dylan was no Teddy Boy. During the 1980s and 1990s bolo ties parts (some elegant and expensive) were sold in Japan, Korea, and China. Among bolo ties string, some had fancy, hand-made cords, and unusual tips. Sales overseas skyrocketed post-1970s; this was due to the overflow from the United States, where it had fallen out of fashion by the end of the 1980s.

Conclusion

Still a fashion among many Americans, the trend does not seem to stop. What's more, you might look fashionable if you sport one to suit your look. Add a woven leather tie and presto! A bolo ties string!