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Carving, eagle

Date: before 2005

Artist or Maker: Delvin Leekya

Dimensions:

Dimensions: 7.6 × 6.5 cm (3 × 2 9/16 in.)

Weight: 0.1 kg (2.22 oz.)

Medium: shell, green snail | stone, turquoise

Credit Line: Bequest of Marie Byrne; recieved at the Indian Arts Research Center in 2005.

Place Made:

Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America

Object Number: SAR.2005-20-115

Not on view

DescriptionUsing a rounded iridescent shell, the artist has removed a spiral core, leaving an eagle whose body rises from the base and follows the rotation of the shell. Its wings are spread, defined by striated segments where the green hue of the shell's surface has been carved through to reveal the white below. The eyes are inlaid turquoise. A circular area flat across the base suggests the shell may be a conch.
Tribal Collection Review RemarksJim Enote and Octavius Seowtewa during collection review visit February 16 and 17, 2011 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 6”): This carving represents and eagle and it is carved from green snail shell. The Zuni word for eagle is k’ya-k’ya-li.

Though small carvings such as this, usually depicting an animal, are frequently referred to as “fetishes,” it is important to note that they are not true fetishes. True fetishes are made and used specifically for spiritual or ceremonial purposes and uses. This type of item, however, is made specifically for sale. It is more appropriate to refer to commercially-made figures of this type as “carvings.”

Carvings produced for commercial purposes depict a wide variety of animals, but there are only six animal depictions that can become true fetishes. They are animals that are associated with the six directions, which are each associated with a particular color. The six animals should be carved from a stone that is the color of the associated direction. The six animals and their corresponding directions/colors are: Mountain Lion-North-Yellow; Bear-West-Blue; Badger-South-Red; Wolf-East-White; Eagle-Sky (Up)-Multi-color; Mole or Shrew-Underworld (Below)-Black. Any of these six animal carvings can become a true fetish, IF it is given a spiritual life by certain Zuni religious leaders. These fetishes would be used by Zuni people for protection, and by Zuni hunters, depending on which animal is chosen for the fetish, for assistance in the hunt.

In Collection(s)

Zuni Collection

Bibliography:

Leekya

Pg. 124
Fig. Plate 77

The Indian Arts Research Center, in collaboration with Native American community scholars, strives to present accurate collections records. Records may be updated as new information becomes available and is reviewed with the Native American community having cultural affinity to particular items. Please write to iarc@sarsf.org if you have questions or concerns related to the documentation.