Big Zuni frog fetish carved from Number 8 turquoise by famous carver Lena Boone. About 2 inch long by 1-7/8 inch wide by 1 inch thick. Weighs 45.5 grams.
Brand new and in perfect condition! Certificate of Authenticity and gift box included with your purchase.
Lena Boone has been a carver of quality fetishes for over 40 years. Lena is the daughter of Edna Leki, who is believed to have been the first female fetish carver at Zuni, and the granddaughter of Teddy Weahkee. She carves all traditional six animals - mountain lions, bears, badgers, wolves, eagles and moles. Lena is preserving traditional carving that is fast disappearing in Zuni carving. Lena's carvings are simple and evocative of the past. She remains loyal to traditional images. She often incorporates offerings of an arrowhead and pieces of turquoise and coral, called a bundle, tied to the backs or sides of the animals.
Lena Boone, now in her mid-60s, remains fully involved with her carving and still enjoys her work. She is excited about obtaining and using new materials, creating beautiful necklaces and experimenting with new variations on traditional designs. Lena continues to attend shows, mentors her growing family and has become the matriarch of a proud family or Zuni carvers.
Lena doesn't usually sign her pieces (unless it is a piece that was entered in the Santa Fe Indian market or another show.) She doesn't have too because her pieces are so distinctive and recognizable.
Note: Much of the information posted here on Lena Boone was taken from an article by Harold Finkelstein, author and one of our Zuni fetish carver suppliers.