This bolo tie is an early handmade work by Effie Calavaza
(Zuni, b. 1928 – d. 2017),
One of the most recognized Zuni silversmiths of the 20th century. Effie’s designs are iconic for their dual-snake silver overlay motif, symbolizing protection and harmony — recurring themes in Zuni cosmology.
The hand-stamped silver base features four freeform natural turquoise nuggets, bezel-set in Effie’s distinctive scalloped settings. The design includes coiled serpents with turquoise inlaid eyes and fine silver drop appliqués. Tool marks visible on the reverse and bezel edges confirm handcrafted, not cast, production.
***please note*** there is a small chip in one of the snake eyes. Being sold as is.
(This will be an easy fix with an expierance silversmith)
This piece weighs
110 Grams!!!
The Bennett PAT. PEND. clasp dates the piece to between 1957 and 1972, a period when Effie’s work was entirely made by hand within her family workshop.
Artist Attribution
Effie Calavaza (Zuni Pueblo)
Active: 1950s–2010s
Known for: Sterling silver snake motifs with turquoise or coral inlay
Signature: “EFFIE C. ZUNI” (earliest form, pre-1980s)
Cultural Affiliation: Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico
Her earliest signed works (1950s–1960s) are fully hand-fabricated with thick silver sheet, deep bezel settings, and early Bennett clasps. Later workshop pieces and cast versions (1980s–2000s) are lighter and marked “EFFIE C.” only. The combination of her full hallmark and the Bennett clasp identifies this bolo as an authentic early-period Effie Calavaza piece.
