The bolo tie has become recognized as the unique tie of the Southwest. It is the official state tie of Arizona and New Mexico.  In 2007, House Concurrent Resolution No. 12 was filed by State Representative Armando “Mando” Martinez of Weslaco and signed by Governor Rick Perry making the bolo tie the official state tie of Texas.

Native American bolo ties have become recognized as a unique form of American art and have been featured in museum exhibits. Unlike the common cowboy scarf slides, the Native American bolos are made of silver and often decorated with stones from the Southwest.

Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni artisans are well known for creating attractive bolo ties. Zuni bolos are distinctive for the use of beautiful stone inlays. Native American bolos feature a wide variety of tribal symbols including feathers, arrows, and bear claws in their designs. Some symbols used even go back to those used by Spanish conquistadors on their horse gear.