Horned Toad Bolo by Lester James (Navajo)

Kingman Turquoise | Tufa Cast Sterling Silver In the high desert of the Diné homeland, the horned toad is more than a creature of stone and sand—it is Cheii, Grandfather, a sacred symbol of wisdom and protection. Navajo silversmith Lester James brings this powerful spirit to life using the ancient art of tufa casting. Carving directly into porous volcanic stone, he creates a one-of-a-kind mold, then pours molten sterling silver into its earthen cradle. The result is a bold, tactile rendering of the horned toad—textured, weighty, and steeped in tradition. Eyes and spine gleam with hand-cut inlays of Kingman Turquoise, deep blue with a rich black spiderweb matrix, echoing storm-washed skies over the Arizona desert. Heavy sterling silver tips and a thick braided leather cord ground the piece with presence and intention. This is more than a bolo—it’s a grandfather’s blessing, carried close to the heart. Bolo Size – 2 3/4″ x 1 3/4″ Bolo Cord Length – 42″ Weight – 3.84 Troy Ounces 119.4 Grams