The bolo tie (also spelled bola tie) is a distinctive neckwear piece associated with the American Southwest and Western style. Many sources point to influences from Native American artisans in the Southwest (particularly Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes) as early as the 1930s. Men from these communities reportedly wore bandanas or scarves tied around their necks, secured with shell, silver conchs, or scarf slides/conchos. These practical accessories for adjusting fit and adding decoration are seen by some as the direct precursor or inspiration for the modern bolo tie. Native American silversmiths later elevated the style by crafting elaborate sterling silver slides, often inlaid with turquoise, coral, or other stones, incorporating tribal symbols and intricate designs. This made the bolo a form of wearable art, and it’s sometimes described as originating from or born out of Native American craftsmanship.