Zuni Ralph Quam Bolo Comanche Dancer Chief\'s Head Mosaic Inlay Turquoise Coral
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Zuni Ralph Quam Bolo Comanche Dancer Chief\'s Head Mosaic Inlay Turquoise Coral:
$829.00
Welcome.
I\'m offering a gorgeous large bolo which was made by Ralph Quam. Ernie Bulow, who lives in Zuni and knew the people involved have told me that Raymond Quam didn\'t do silver work and that he was incorrectly attributed with having made the Chief\'s Head jewelry, and that misattribution was repeated in more than one publication. The actual artist for all these chief heads was Ralph Quam, not Raymond Quam, who actually did not make any jewelry. I believe it\'s important to correctly credit the artist. This is unsigned as is the case with much of his work. It was made between 1957-1967 and has a lovely choice of stones. There is cowrie shell at the headband and abalone at the throat, a stunning natural turquoise and coral which is alternated at the base of the headdress and bone is used for the engraved face. Hand made raindrops are applied to the feathers to frame the headdress of the chief\'s head. The feathers on the headdress are mother of pearl. There\'s also jet and mother of pearl on the braids. The silver work is also special with some hand applied raindrops at the base and also raindrops at the peak of each of the 21 feathers. The full face is more rare and the Comanche Dancer is also more rare for this artist and the size is exceptional. This piece might have been made for internal use within the tribe. It\'s a very large and gorgeous example. A picture of his Chief Head bolo is on page 264 of Schaaf\'s \"American Indian Jewelry\" and Quam is also discussed in Wright on page 142. Unfortunately these authors misattribute it to Raymond Quam, who did not make jewelry instead of Ralph Quam, who did all of this work. But it is the quality of the work that warranted the writing about it not the artist! And this work is deserving of recognition.This particular example contains a unique stone combination that is exceptionally beautiful as well as a rare design and shape.
This piece measures 2-5/8\" H x 3-1/8\" W and it\'s in excellent vintage condition. Slight wear to the color of the engraving on the face, which was made of stove soot and pinon gum. It could be touched up; it\'s not damage, just slight wear. The tips are nice old sterling tips measuring 2-1/4\" and the leather is in supple good condition, 40\" with the tips, end to end. The arrangement of colors is brilliant. The face, is the wonderful hand etched face that is so beautiful and distinctively Ralph Quam\'s work with his wife Fannie. There is beautiful silver work created to enhance the mosaic inlay of raindrops and wire work and it does enhance; does not distract. The colors and the quality are superb. If you\'re looking for the very best, in superb condition, as well, this is it. The colors sing, they\'re fresh and the work is fabulous. His work resides in museums and this one is top museum quality, too. It\'s rare. It\'s a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, suitable for collections and a true delight to wear. I choose to wear it among the hundreds I own. I love it.
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Items returned for other reasons than gross misrepresentation are subject to a 15% restocking fee. Please talk with me before returning any item and ship within 14 days of receipt. Returns must be in the same condition they were shipped. If I make a significant mistake in a listing I\'ll always give you a full refund and will do everything in my power to be sure you are satisfied. My survival depends on the continued success of my business. I care that you\'re happy and will always stand behind my work.
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International buyers pay actual shipping cost and are responsible for any customs fees their own countries may apply.Please email with any questions. Thank you for looking. Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you only the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you\'re starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes, and I\'ll strive to make that so.
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