This bolo tie was created by Navajo artist Harrison Jim using the traditional tufa casting technique—one of the oldest metalworking methods practiced by Navajo jewelers.
Tufa casting involves carving a design into natural volcanic stone, then pouring molten silver directly into the hand-carved mold. This process produces the organic textures and subtle irregularities seen throughout the silver surface, making each
The focal point of this piece is a silver spider, a significant motif in Navajo culture. Spider imagery is often associated with Spider Woman (Na’ashjéʼíí Asdzáá), a revered cultural figure traditionally credited with teaching the Navajo people the art of weaving. Through this association, the spider is understood to symbolize creativity, patience, balance, and protection, as well as knowledge passed down through generations. Executed in silver using traditional methods, this design speaks to the strength and precision of Navajo silversmithing and represents a compelling addition to his Southwestern or Native American jewelry collection, whether worn or preserved as a collectible work.
Set into the spider are two genuine Sleeping Beauty turquoise stones, known for their pure sky-blue color and historically mined in Arizona. Their natural beauty contrasts beautifully with the rugged tufa-cast silver.