Here we have an astonishing vintage Navajo silver bolotie OMGoodness! You are not going to believe the gorgeousness of this huge, domed Malachite stone! The markings of this stone are just incredible! It’s surrounded with thick silver rope, and a border of silver handstamped design. Malachite is a vibrant green mineral that is popular for its distinctive color and banding patterns. It forms through the weathering and oxidation of copper ores and is commonly found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits – of which Arizona is a notable deposit! Throughout history, malachite has been highly valued for its aesthetic appeal, being used in the creation of jewelry, religious artifacts, and ornamental objects. Signed by Navajo A. B artist, Alexander Piechowski-Begay Sterling silver, marked. The bolo measures around 2″? X2″? Sturdy 59.0 grams leather tie cord measures 18inches long with steel tips Alexander Piechowski-Begay words Yá’át’ééh Shik’éí dóó ShiDiné’é Shí éí Ashkii ligai. Nanishtezhi tahbahaa nishli? , Bééshbich’ah’I báshíshchíín, Kinlichii’nii dashicheii, bilagáana dashinali. Ákót’éego diné nishli. My Art, this has long been a form of resistance. From the silver coins my ancestors would melt down to make jewelry, to the point the U. Government had to remove silver coinage & replace them with paper forms of 10 & 5 cent denominations. The push & pull of the clay, knowing how to find the center & balance so all things will be beautiful again. Each piece I create is a small representation of me as an artist. All of the pieces include hand-cut metals, and I in-person select every piece of turquoise that goes into my art. They are melted & joined, shaped & shaved. In my culture, our prayer & intention goes into each piece & acts as a form of protection. May you all walk in beauty.