HK Item #FF432
"Splendora"
Delvin Leekya, Zuni - Songbird Fetish

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Delvin Leekya, Zuni
Songbird Fetish Carving
"Splendora"

#FF432 - $65 plus s/h
(ONLY ONE AVAILABLE)

Zuni songbird fetish of travertine by Delvin Leekya

Tail inlaid with abalone, turquoise and jet.

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Material	Zuni rock, turquoise, mother of pearl, abalone, jet, read about stones
Size	1 1/2" tall 2 7/8" long 7/8" wide
Hallmarks	inscribed: D L
Artist	Delvin Leekya, Zuni

About Native American authenticity.

Zuni songbird fetish of travertine by Delvin Leekya

Wings inlaid with turquoise, mother of pearl, and jet.

Zuni songbird fetish of travertine by Delvin Leekya

What is an Animal Fetish?

A fetish is a carving of an animal that captures the spirit and the essence of the animal, not necessarily its exact detailed conformation. Fetishes are carved from many types of stone, wood, antler, shell and other materials. Often the eyes and spots of adornment, called power spots, inset pieces of contrasting stones such as turquoise, marble and coral.
Read more about fetishes.

What is Zuni Rock?

Zuni rock (travertine, Zuni stone) is a form of limestone that is deposited by mineral springs. It is mined almost exclusively by the Leekya family at Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico. Travertine is white in its pure form, but most often has yellow, brown and gray hues due to the presence of other minerals. It can be polished to a smooth, shiny finish. The late Zuni carver Leekya Deyuse was especially noted for carving with Zuni Rock and his descendents continue to use it in their carvings today.
Read about stones

Zuni Fetishes and Carvings
Types of Fetishes

Fetish Necklace

The use of small carved animals on Native American necklaces is a modern invention for the market. It is not traditional to use a fetish, per se, on a necklace or as jewelry.

Table Fetish

Table fetishes stand on a flat surface for viewing. They come in various scales with the 2-inch scale being the size most commonly sold today.

Pocket Fetish

A fetish can be carried when the power of the animal is desired to help the person with a routine task or an obstacle or problem. Pocket fetishes might help with safe travel, a successful venture or "hunt", a good yield or "crop".