Horned Toad Protection Bolo Tie
Artist: Ben Yazzie Jr.
Size: 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" With 50" String
Protection and good luck are the primary themes of this extraordinary bolo tie by Navajo silversmith Ben Yazzie Jr. In Navajo tradition, the horned toad (Cheii) symbolizes protection because its spiky body is seen as armor of arrowheads. When a horned toad is encountered, it is believed to be a grandfatherly figure, and a person will ask it for protection by placing it gently on their heart and blessing it with corn pollen before releasing it back to its home. This practice is a way to receive spiritual and physical protection, with the horned toad's "armor" protecting against evil and harm. Add three pieces of Sky Stone from the Sleeping Beauty mine in Globe, Arizona and you have a truly unique piece of wearable art.
Ben Yazzie Jr.
Ben Yazzie Jr. - Silversmith: Ben Yazzie Jr. comes from a very large family of craftsmen hailing from Immanuel Mission at Sweetwater, Arizona. Ben, one of 28 children, has numerous sisters, brothers, cousins and in-laws who are also a part of the Twin Rock’s family of artisans. He learned his craft from his grandfather who told him that silversmithing was a, “good thing to do.”
Arrows
Precious Stones
Protection/Practice
Silversmith Work
Horned Toad
