A bolo like this is more than Western wear—it’s a piece of wearable sculpture.
Handcrafted by acclaimed Hopi silversmith Alonzo Mariano, this striking sterling silver bolo features an intricately layered Kachina figure crowned by a dramatic feather headdress, symbolizing the spiritual messengers who bring rain, blessings, and balance between the natural and sacred worlds. Every feather, scroll, and hand-cut detail showcases Mariano’s unmistakable craftsmanship and mastery of dimensional silverwork.
Suspended below the Kachina is a second carved figure set with a vibrant natural turquoise cabochon, adding movement, symbolism, and a brilliant flash of Southwestern color. Mounted on a traditional hand-braided black leather cord with sterling silver tips, the composition is bold without sacrificing elegance.
This is exactly the kind of Alonzo Mariano work collectors seek—architectural, deeply symbolic, and unmistakably handcrafted.
Details
- Artist: Alonzo Mariano (Hopi)
- Materials: Sterling silver, natural turquoise, braided leather
- Motif: Kachina with feathered headdress and suspended guardian figure
- Construction: Hand-fabricated sterling silver bolo with sterling tips
- Condition: Excellent vintage condition with beautiful natural patina
Eric’s Note
I’ve always loved Kachina imagery because every figure represents something bigger than itself. This one feels like a guardian watching over the journey ahead. Mariano didn’t just make a bolo—he created a tiny monument you can wear. It’s one of those pieces that starts conversations before anyone even asks who made it.
A bolo like this is more than Western wear—it’s a piece of wearable sculpture.
Handcrafted by acclaimed Hopi silversmith Alonzo Mariano, this striking sterling silver bolo features an intricately layered Kachina figure crowned by a dramatic feather headdress, symbolizing the spiritual messengers who bring rain, blessings, and balance between the natural and sacred worlds. Every feather, scroll, and hand-cut detail showcases Mariano’s unmistakable craftsmanship and mastery of dimensional silverwork.
Suspended below the Kachina is a second carved figure set with a vibrant natural turquoise cabochon, adding movement, symbolism, and a brilliant flash of Southwestern color. Mounted on a traditional hand-braided black leather cord with sterling silver tips, the composition is bold without sacrificing elegance.
This is exactly the kind of Alonzo Mariano work collectors seek—architectural, deeply symbolic, and unmistakably handcrafted.
Details
- Artist: Alonzo Mariano (Hopi)
- Materials: Sterling silver, natural turquoise, braided leather
- Motif: Kachina with feathered headdress and suspended guardian figure
- Construction: Hand-fabricated sterling silver bolo with sterling tips
- Condition: Excellent vintage condition with beautiful natural patina
Eric’s Note
I’ve always loved Kachina imagery because every figure represents something bigger than itself. This one feels like a guardian watching over the journey ahead. Mariano didn’t just make a bolo—he created a tiny monument you can wear. It’s one of those pieces that starts conversations before anyone even asks who made it.