Zia Pueblo, New Mexico
19th century
Stone, pigment
Height 4¾ in (12.1 cm)
Provenance: Ray Dewey, Santa Fe, NM
This Zia Pueblo fetish is carved in the form of a seated human figure, with a rounded, compact body, incised facial features, and dark painted hair rendered in a style that reflects the distinct ceramic and carving traditions of Zia Pueblo in New Mexico. The figure's posture — hands drawn to the body, legs folded — is consistent with seated effigy forms used across Pueblo cultures as objects of ceremonial significance and personal protection. The surface has developed a deep amber patina through extensive handling, indicating long use prior to its entry into the collecting market.
Ray Dewey of Santa Fe was among the most knowledgeable dealers in Southwestern Native American material of his generation, and objects from his inventory carry the confidence of careful authentication. At under five inches, this figure is intimate in scale but direct in presence, with the incised line work and painted detail remaining legible despite the wear. Zia Pueblo fetish figures of this age and surface quality are seldom encountered outside of institutional collections.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Zia Pueblo, New Mexico
19th century
Stone, pigment
Height 4¾ in (12.1 cm)
Provenance: Ray Dewey, Santa Fe, NM
This Zia Pueblo fetish is carved in the form of a seated human figure, with a rounded, compact body, incised facial features, and dark painted hair rendered in a style that reflects the distinct ceramic and carving traditions of Zia Pueblo in New Mexico. The figure's posture — hands drawn to the body, legs folded — is consistent with seated effigy forms used across Pueblo cultures as objects of ceremonial significance and personal protection. The surface has developed a deep amber patina through extensive handling, indicating long use prior to its entry into the collecting market.
Ray Dewey of Santa Fe was among the most knowledgeable dealers in Southwestern Native American material of his generation, and objects from his inventory carry the confidence of careful authentication. At under five inches, this figure is intimate in scale but direct in presence, with the incised line work and painted detail remaining legible despite the wear. Zia Pueblo fetish figures of this age and surface quality are seldom encountered outside of institutional collections.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
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