Thelma Sheche, 2002, at the Zuni Spirits Elahkwa Party

Dave purchased this and the other LeBouef carvings from Thelma Sheche in Zuni about eight years ago. He met her at a trading post as she was bringing carvings in to sell and he was given the opportunity to buy directly from her as the store was not buying that day.

At the time, Jessie LeBouef was married to Ron LeBouef, Aaron and Thelma's grandson. She and her daughter, Amanda, were taught to carve in the Sheche style. Though it is difficult to discern quickly the LeBouef carvings from The Sheche's work, upon closer inspection you will see subtle differences. The LeBouef carvings are more angular and the legs and belly are left square while Thelma and Aaron rounded the corners on their pieces. Additionally, none of the LeBouef carvings we ever purchased were signed.

We later met both Jessie and Amanda at the Sheche home prior to Aaron's passing. Since we have not seen any of their work in recent years we aren't sure they are still carving. Even so, it's an important part of the Sheche legacy and a credit to them that they so generously shared their knowledge and skill with the younger members of the family.