Zuni Pueblo Five-strand Fetish Necklace [SOLD]

There were several artisans at Zuni Pueblo in the mid-1900s who became famous for their carvings of small bird and animal fetishes from a variety of stones and shells.  The miniature fetishes were strung with hieshe and grouped in strings to form beautiful necklaces.  Certainly two of the most famous were Leekya Deyuse (ca.1889 - 1966) and David Tsikewa (1915 - 1970).  There were others and I am sure some knowledgeable collector or dealer could name them all and probably identify their works, but, unfortunately, I am not able to do so with this particular necklace.

There are five strands and each strand has 33 fetishes of birds and animals, for a total of 165 fetishes.  Each strand is comprised of fetishes, hieshe and small turquoise cylinders.  Silver cones tie the ends together and a handmade silver clasp completes the assembly.  Each fetish carving is delicate and well executed.  It is a strikingly beautiful necklace.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: from the personal collection of Margaret Gutierrez, Santa Clara Pueblo

Recommended Reading: Zuni Jewelry by Theda and Michael Bassman