One of the (many!0) things I find so fascinating about Zuni artists and their fetishes is that ten carvers could carve ten bears and each one would be reflective of that artist's personality, skill and of their relationship to their culture. Some would be purely traditional while others would have a touch of whimsy or a comical nature. This standing bear by Troy Sice seems to be quite confident. He's a handsome dude and he knows it!
Made from elk antler, Troy has burnished the ears, nose and tail which adds color and dimension to the carving. The bear's facial features and claws are expertly inlaid of jet. To add to his debonair attitude -- he wears a beautiful "bolo" made of jet, coral and lapis. Need some attitude in your bear department? Here's your guy ...
Signed.