A LITTLE ABOUT THE LATE-GREAT FAMED ARTIST 'DAN SIMPLICIO SR.':

Dan Simplicio Sr.(1917-1969) is one of the most collected & one of the most innovative Zuni artisans from decades ago.In a way,you can say he is similar to Charles Loloma in how he brought new ideas to what was considered 'common' to Native American jewelry..Ideas that just weren't happening before & changed how things were being done,as well as introducing new materials into Native American jewelry.It is said that back in the 30's,he was one of the 1st Native American artists to work in gold,which doesn't in the least,surprize me!

In Dan's later years,it was he who was the 1st to incorporate using whole pieces of branch coral in it's natural form & also introduced leaf work into Zuni jewelry.His leaf work was fluid in design & how at times he would beautifully wrap these so elegantly around the coral..The leaves themselves were like pieces of art,all on their own.

He collaborated with who are now some of the most sought out names, when it comes to 'Masters" of Zuni jewelry..Artists like the famed Leo Poblano,LeekyaDeyuse, Teddie Weahkee,Bernard Homer and Lee Edaakie.Early in his career,he was employed by C.G.Wallace at his Zuni trading post,where he did a lot of grinding work & set stones for the company.. Wallace collected some of Dan's finest work and when his collection was auctioned at Sotheby’s in 1975, it included more than 50 pieces by Simplicio.

***************************

THE BOLO:

This is one of Dan's most 'signature' looks where there's no 2nd guessing as to whose work this is,especially if you've been in the industry & or know Native American jewelry..It is "Classic" Simplicio & it is a bolo that comes from circa mid 50's-no later than mid 60's since the "Bennett C-31" locking clasp no longer existed.(You can actually date when a bolo was made by the clasp & what the clasp says)

Scalloped bezeled set atop of a large sterling sheet that is squared off on the east west sides,sits a large tear drop cut of Morenci turquoise with the branch red coral that compliments it below.His leaf work beautifully frames & brings focus to the turquoise & the coral. The turquoise is still very blue,which tells me it's high grade cut of Morenci,since lower-softer chalky grades of turquoise would have changed to green by now from oils,time,etc..The artwork shows on a skinny 4 mm round dark brown braided bolo cord..If you wanted,you can probably changed this cord out by one who is reputable & who preferably works with bolo ties.

A NOTE:

I want to mention that when I got this, the turquoise unfortunatly had a large crack in it & to avoid replacing it & ruining what was original to the piece,I had a very reputable Santa Fe jewelry repair person friend of mine who works in restoring vintage Native American jewelry,Fred Harvey pieces,etc., repair it. Because of the close up photos,it does make it look more obvious than in actuality,but you'll see it, IF you point it out or look close. Simplicio made this with the Morenci cut & that's how I wanted to keep it!! I guarantee it is in there good & looks much better than when I got it.(I’m sorry but his work is reflected in the price)

UNISEX!

** Please go through all photos since they play a major role to my description**