Alabaster Bear by Tesuque Pueblo Fetish Maker, Mark Swazo-Hinds [SOLD]

The lines on this alabaster bear fetish are elegant, giving it a modern look and feel. This piece is highly tactile, featuring smooth surfaces and intricate adornments. Reflecting Mark's belief that the Native Peoples of the Southwest, particularly the Tesuque, had trade relations with indigenous peoples from the south, the bear is adorned with parrot feathers and shells. Turquoise from the Southwest and turkey feathers, likely from one of Mark's many hunting expeditions, further embellish the piece. The adornments are tied with hand-tanned leather, adding a touch of authenticity and craftsmanship.

Mark Swazo Hinds (1959-2023) of Tesuque Pueblo was a distinguished artist renowned for his mastery of stone fetishes. Born in Berkeley, California, on January 16, 1959, to Rita Gunther and Patrick Swazo Hinds, Mark pursued his education at Pojoaque High School, Haskell Indian Junior College in Kansas, and the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. He passed away on December 9, 2023.

Mark's artistic legacy is defined by his exceptional skill with stone, creating fetishes that ranged from small, intricate pieces to monumental sculptures. His work stands out not only for its technical excellence but also for its scale and ambition. By elevating fetish carving into the realm of sculpture, Mark produced large-scale works that have become coveted pieces in collections spanning Contemporary, Western, and Native American art. His ability to blend traditional fetish motifs with modern sculptural techniques has cemented his status as a pivotal figure in the evolution of Native American art.

Mark's sculptural fetishes are celebrated for their artistic excellence and their ability to bridge different art worlds, making them integral to many esteemed collections. His work is included in the permanent collections of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian in Santa Fe, and on the grounds of the Santa Fe Opera. Additionally, his art is held in numerous collections throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan. Mark Swazo Hinds's contributions to art continue to be honored and cherished globally.

Condition: very good condition with some wear on the feather commensurate with the age of the piece.

Provenance: this Alabaster Bear by Tesuque Pueblo Fetish Maker, Mark Swazo-Hinds is from a collector client of Adobe Gallery

Reference: Fetishes and Carvings of the Southwest by Oscar T. Branson

TAGS: Tesuque Pueblo, Native American Paintings, Patrick Swazo Hinds, Mark Swazo Hinds