San Felipe Pueblo, New Mexico
19th century
Stone, leather
Height 3¾ in (9.5 cm)
Provenance: Ray Dewey, Santa Fe, NM
This San Felipe Pueblo fetish is carved from a pale stone in a flat frontal human form with incised features indicating the face, torso, and limbs with economy and clarity. The figure retains surface patina consistent with sustained handling over a long period, and the carving reflects the direct, unelaborated approach characteristic of Pueblo fetish objects made for personal ceremonial use rather than outside trade. It is accompanied by its original leather carrying pouch, worn and softened through use, which substantially increases the rarity and integrity of the object as a complete assemblage.
Fetish figures of this type served as personal protective objects within Pueblo communities, carried on the body or kept in the home as mediators between the individual and the spirit forces governing health, protection, and communal well-being. Ray Dewey of Santa Fe was among the most respected dealers in Southwestern Native American material of his generation, and the provenance from his inventory supports the authenticity and age of this piece. The survival of both figure and pouch together as an intact unit is uncommon and adds considerable significance to this example.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
San Felipe Pueblo, New Mexico
19th century
Stone, leather
Height 3¾ in (9.5 cm)
Provenance: Ray Dewey, Santa Fe, NM
This San Felipe Pueblo fetish is carved from a pale stone in a flat frontal human form with incised features indicating the face, torso, and limbs with economy and clarity. The figure retains surface patina consistent with sustained handling over a long period, and the carving reflects the direct, unelaborated approach characteristic of Pueblo fetish objects made for personal ceremonial use rather than outside trade. It is accompanied by its original leather carrying pouch, worn and softened through use, which substantially increases the rarity and integrity of the object as a complete assemblage.
Fetish figures of this type served as personal protective objects within Pueblo communities, carried on the body or kept in the home as mediators between the individual and the spirit forces governing health, protection, and communal well-being. Ray Dewey of Santa Fe was among the most respected dealers in Southwestern Native American material of his generation, and the provenance from his inventory supports the authenticity and age of this piece. The survival of both figure and pouch together as an intact unit is uncommon and adds considerable significance to this example.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
