The bola tie was designated the official neckware of Arizona in 1973. A bola (sometimes called bolo tie) is a type of necktie consisting of a piece of cord or braided leather with decorative metal tips secured with an ornamental clasp or slide. A silver bola tie adorned with turquoise (Arizona's state gemstone) is generally considered the official style, but bola ties come in a large variety of styles.
Turquoise and coral bola tie made by Navajo & Zuni Indians in Arizona or New Mexico - photo from Gold Mountain Mining Company
(used by permission)
Bola tie slides and tips in silver have been part of Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni silversmithing traditions since the mid-20th century. Bola ties are widely associated with Western wear and New Mexico also adopted the bola tie as a state symbol in 2007.
"Storyteller" bola tie made by Navajo & Zuni American Indians in Arizona or New Mexico - photo from Gold Mountain Mining Company
(used by permission)
Silversmith Victor Cedarstaff of Wickenburg, Arizona, claims to have invented the bolo tie in the late 1940's (and later patented his slide design) but it is also said that bola ties are a North American pioneer creation that dates back to between 1866 and 1886. Boleadoras or bolas (from Spanish bola, which means "ball") are throwing weapons made of weights attached to the end of cords.
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