Large Navajo Sterling Silver and Fine Coral Bison Bolo Tie and Buckle SET by Lou Bilou DeWolf

ca 1960-1980
Signed "Bilou"

Bolo Tie 34" length , 3.25h x 2.5"w
Buckle: 3 3/8"h x 3 5/8"w, Fit s up to a 2" leather belt
Biography of Navajo Jeweler Lou Bilou DeWolf
Lou Bilou DeWolf is a Navajo (Diné) silversmith recognized for his bold, heavy jewelry designs that showcase the rich traditions of Navajo craftsmanship. Born into the Navajo Nation, which spans parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, DeWolf likely grew up surrounded by the cultural heritage of silversmithing, a skill the Navajo adopted in the mid-19th century from Mexican artisans and refined into a distinctive art form. While specific details about his birth date or early life are not widely documented, his work suggests a deep connection to the traditional techniques and materials that define Navajo jewelry.
DeWolf’s career as a jeweler is marked by his use of sterling silver and high-quality turquoise, often sourced from Arizona mines like Kingman or Sleeping Beauty, which are prized for their vibrant colors and durability. His pieces are notable for their size and weight—some, like a documented cuff bracelet, weigh over 250 grams (approximately 8.9 ounces)—reflecting a style that emphasizes both craftsmanship and presence. One of his standout creations is a large turquoise cuff bracelet adorned with a rattlesnake motif, a design that blends traditional Navajo symbolism with artistic flair. The rattlesnake, a powerful figure in Navajo culture, often represents protection and transformation, adding a layer of meaning to his work.
Like many Navajo artisans, DeWolf likely learned his trade through family or community mentorship, a common practice in a culture where silversmithing skills are passed down through generations. His pieces bear his signature, "Lou Bilou DeWolf," a hallmark that authenticates his work and connects it to the legacy of Navajo jewelry-making that began with pioneers like Atsidi Sani in the 1860s. His use of rare turquoise and intricate silverwork aligns with the Navajo tradition of creating jewelry as both wearable art and a symbol of identity and status.
DeWolf’s jewelry, including cuffs, rings, and other adornments, has found a place among collectors of Native American art. His designs often feature organic, freeform turquoise stones set in robust silver settings, a hallmark of traditional Navajo aesthetics that contrasts with the more delicate inlay work of tribes like the Zuni. While not as internationally famous as some contemporary Navajo jewelers like the Yazzie family, DeWolf’s work stands out for its scale and the tactile quality of his materials, appealing to those who value the rugged beauty of Southwestern craftsmanship.
If Lou Bilou DeWolf was active in the mid-to-late 20th century, as some of his pieces suggest (based on their "old pawn" style), he would have contributed to the evolution of Navajo jewelry during a period when it gained widespread popularity, fueled by tourism and the influence of Hollywood in the 1950s and 60s. Today, his signed pieces are considered rare and collectible, often appearing in secondary markets like auctions or specialty galleries.