Warren Nieto doesn't do just traditional Pueblo Jewelry,but something that separates him from the rest,is for the fact that more times than not, will put "Symbolic meanings/symbols into his jewelry, as if a story is being told of Pueblo life/culture through a mosaic painting done in stones & shells.

I have to admit, he has to be one of the most artistic artists when it comes to creating some of the best Puebloan bolo ties that are literally pieces of Pueblo mosaic art/culture that are done in a way you just don't see! This is one reason why his Bolos are one of the hottest things in demand & are asked for by name!!

THE BOLO:

Warren takes us on a journey back to the petroglyphic walls of Chaco Canyon where it all began & where symbols had meaning & told a story & this bolo tells a cultural story from the top to the tips! Please bare with me while I give you the remarkable detail,which will give you much more appreciation for this piece!

Playing a major role to the overall color of the bolo, are mosaic inlaid cuts of earthy brown colored #8 turquoise, which personally I believe made the perfect background color for the blues to be accentuated, as well as that little hint of red in there to pop!

Starting at the top are channel inlaid cuts of "Gold Lip" oyster shell that alternate with black Jet cuts that outline the perimeter.Inside this area are "Rainclouds" that have yellow,(north)blue(west) & red (south) which signify the colors of corn & you cannot have crops without the rain cloud nor the rain, which are a blessing from above. Sandwiched between the Rainclouds & the #8 section, are horizontally laid strips of sterling that the oyster shell & jet lay within.(See photo 3 for reference)

Petroglyphs ( zoom in on photos 4,5,6) --Starting from top left to right & working downward, are symbols done in sterling wire & which represent:

The Circle: Journey of Life

The Tadpole (In sterling & turquoise) represents "Transformation-Self Change-Blessings from the Rain" (Similar to Butterflies)

Lightning: For Strength

The Macaw:(Outlined in sterling-Made of crushed Red Coral-Turquoise) Many don't know, but in Chaco Canyon you will see symbols of the Macaw & which were traded back then when people arrived in the USA that came up from Mexico.

The Deity: Controls or exerts force over some aspect of the world.

Petroglyphs shown in photo 7,8,9,10,11):

The Hand:(Center)-Turquoise Mosaic (with Phalanges!) Healing-Strength-Friendship-Power-Giving, etc..

Left Bottom:(Triple Lines in sterling) Emergence-Each line represents the migration

To the right of Pinky Finger on Hand: The Sun: Life Source & which helps to give birth to all new living things

Bottom Right: Kiva Steps

THE BACKSIDE:

All the materials are mosaic inlaid atop of dark brown pen shell that comes in it's naturally formed curved shape! The back is as much of a work of art as the front!!! These symbols are the same as on the front,but inscribed into the shell!!

THE TIPS:

Warrens tips have to be the best! Done in a 'double tip' style,Warren recreated a 'miniature' version with much of the same petroglyph's as the large portion!!! The tips are nice & thick, with the material being mosaic inlaid atop of black jet (Fossilized Coal). The art is held onto a 4 mm black bolo strap & comes with an adjustable clasp,so you can wear this high or low! (See last photo)

I was rushed for time, so if you need to see this on a mannequin to get a idea of it's size, please don't hesitate getting in touch, I'd be more than happy to supply it!!