ABOUT FRANK VACIT(1915-1999):
From well regarded artists like Leo Poblano & many others, Frank Vacit was another highly respected Zuni Puebloan artist of his time. He was known for his 'channel inlay" & his mosaic work & was one of "C.G. Wallace's master inlayers. Personally speaking, it wasn't that Frank just channel inlaid or mosaic inlaid,but it was the STYLE in which he inlaid that made him stand apart from the rest. While others were cutting stones & shells to fit side by side that then laid in their own bezel, Frank took a different approach by making grooves into the silver base so the appropriate size & shaped materials could be embedded into the sterling so they can then lay in a 'flush inlay'. Both methods however were equally beautiful pieces of Zuni art, but it was this method that is signature to this artist. Vacit designs were also inspired by the designs found on the ancient Zuni Hawikku pots.
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PROVENANCE:
This bolo came from highly respected-long time Santa Fe collectors who have had it their collection for decades, until it was brought to me.
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THE BOLO:
Emulating the "Eagle Dancer", this is made in a trapezoid shape, so it's wider at the top & narrow on the bottom. It's made with turquoise, black jet(?) Coral & shimmery white shell for effect when it turns in the light. The art hangs from a skinny 3.5 mm round brown leather braided bolo strap & is finalized by tapered sterling cone tips that have a 10 mm sterling bead on the end...The sterling cones have serrated edges to grasp well on the leather.
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THE BENNETT C31 BOLO LOCK & ADJUSTER:
One thing that validates & gives a timeline to this bolo's age, is the "Bennett' adjuster. Before the Bennett came out,bolos were made with a couple loops on the back,
which held a little pressure on the cord to keep the art work in place, that is until the Bennett C31 came along in the Mid 1950's. So by this having the Bennett on there, means this bolo was made mid 50's,if not the 60's(?) when the C31 came out..

It's not over the top in size,but speaks volumes in regards to historical Zuni jewelry & the artists that laid the groundwork for future up & coming artists. Whether you're a Southwestern Banker, Texas oil man, or maybe work in a southwestern Gallery, this is an historical piece that commands appreciation! Franks work isn't always the easiest to come across, since much of his work has gone into collector's hands.His work is like an investment & will never lose value.

**This bolo is a "Book Piece" & can be found in Santa Fe's own "Gregory Schaaf's " book "American Indian Jewelry-Artist Biographies" on page 315-316" **(see last 3 photos)