Splendid Best! Zuni attr. Ted Edaakie Mosaic Inlay Roadrunner Bolo Pre- 1957

Description

Welcome!
I'm offering for your consideration a fabulous, large and special, bolo which I thought was by Edward A. Beyuka with silver work by Theodore Edaakie. The problem is that the silver work is that done by Lee and Ted Edaakie and they weren't known to use carved stones, so I thought Eddie Beyuka made the stone work, since he carved his stones. I thought it was a collaborative piece between him and the Edaakies. His own roadrunners have different silver work and a somewhat different design. So my theory was that the differences were due to the collaboration. But thanks to Ernie Bulow's good work, he interviewed the family and they said that it's not Eddie Beyuka's work. The silver work is still Edaakie work so I'm now thinking that they did this roadrunner. They always did their own silver work so it would make the most sense that Ted or Lee made this roadrunner. That would make it new information if so, since they weren't previously known to carve their stones.
This is quite a prize with many rare and beautiful carved, flat and rounded stones, some nugget set and some mosaic inlay. The colors are wonderful. I had a special tie and tips made for it I love it so much. The tie is 6 ply and buttery soft and the tips are just right for the piece. You can see a carved silver feather in it that is attributed to Lee Edaakie in one of the books but it actually appears to be silver done by Ted Edaakie whose stamps are also used liberally on this piece. I've also included a picture above of one of many signed Ted Edaakie pieces, an owl bolo, that use the same stamps around the frame of the owl bolo that are used on the legs of this roadrunner bolo. I've owned dozens of Ted Edaakie pieces which always use that same stamp work that we see on the legs of this roadrunner bolo. So, the silver work is either done by Lee Edaakie or Ted Edaakie. The stones are cowrie shell, jet, spondylus shell, mother of pearl white shell and individually cut, buffed, carved and set them. This example is larger and more elaborate than similar examples and better made. It would be great if I could find out what the Edaakie family thinks and I'll try; they are the obvious choice as the artist since it's not Eddie Beyuka. The Edaakie pieces always had wonderful stones but were not known to have carved stones like these.
This bolo is big at 3-1/8" wide and 1-5/16" high. The tips are 2-1/8" high and the tie with tips are 40" end to end. The piece is solid and in great vintage condition without problems. The Bennett is a C 31 Bennett, which would date the piece to 1957-1967 except that I believe it was converted from older, wire runners. Note the scratch marks on the back. The Bennett fits tightly because of the 6 ply tie; everything works just fine. I believe that the scratches on the back of this piece were related to removing the wires and this piece was made pre-Bennett and was later converted to the earliest type of Bennett, the C31, which was used from 1957-1967. It isn't signed nor marked for silver content and that is typical of those times, early times, which would date this piece to 1940's to 1950s. These conversions were commonly done since the wires didn't always hold the leather very well and when people had a favorite bolo they preferred the Bennetts, which held the leather more securely. Also confirming the age are other small signs, like the tiny cracks in the filler they use, which you can see in the magnified pictures. Those cracks developed with great age and recent pieces would not have them.
Note that this piece is larger than a similar published piece and, it is more elaborate, with more tail feathers, and of course, the unique and distinctive Edaakie family silver work!
This is a great collector's item, a joy to wear and to own. You'll want to wear it every day. The butter soft tie makes you feel like royalty and the quality of this roadrunner is rare. This is an important piece and was certainly worthy of my having dressed it with beautiful tie and tips. I believe this piece is museum worthy.
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When I include pages from published books in my listings it is in accordance with Fair Use Law, which permits the use of source material for discussion, reference, education and criticism.
Attributions on many of the old pieces of Native American jewelry are sometimes a moving target. All the books have errors, so in addition to counterchecking, I have developed some expertise over the years and I do care about getting it right, so as more information comes to light I update my listings and also get in touch with my previous buyers, to inform them of any changes in attributions. I am sincerely committed to ongoing accuracy.
Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. Most pieces are museum worthy and gallery suitable, sold to you at great pricing. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you're starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear or gift. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes.