Vintage sterling silver and turquoise Native American bolo tie by Raymond Yazzie

Vintage sterling silver and turquoise Native American bolo tie by Raymond Yazzie beautiful piece by renowned Navajo artist Raymond Yazzie. This specific bolo tie is particularly interesting because it represents his early career. He began his career in the early-to-mid 1970s working in more traditional Navajo styles, often using bear claws and high-grade turquoise. Key Details The Hallmark: The script signature "Ray Yazzie" seen on the back is a known early hallmark. As his career progressed, he transitioned to different marks, including a conjoined "RY" or an arrowhead symbol. The Design: This is a classic Bear Claw design. In Navajo culture, the bear represents strength, protection, and leadership. The piece features a genuine bear claw set in silver, surrounded by five turquoise cabochons and intricate silver leaf-and-scroll work. Materials: The "Sterling" stamp confirms it is .925 silver. The turquoise appears to be of high quality, likely from a classic Arizona or Nevada mine active in the 1970s (such as Kingman or Morenci). Market Context Because this is an early work by a "living master," it holds significant value for collectors of Native American art.