I hear some collectors say they only like the realistic work of carvers like the Cheamas, Dan Quam, Herbert Him and others who devote themselves to true depiction of the animals they carve. Other collectors will say they only like the contemporary, stylized work of Abby Quam or Calvert Bowannie. Still others prefer concretion fetishes or the subtle work of Lynn Quam and Herbert Halate. I have to admit that I LOVE THEM ALL! I used to have an aversion to Mother of Pearl but that was before I saw an entire case of it in Zuni -- all the beautiful handwork of Celester Laate (d.) And, in the beginning, I had no attraction to corn maidens but that was before I saw and fell in love with the work of my dear friend and little brother, Norman Cooeyate and the beautiful Jackie. Thanks goodness I got over that hang up!

I think the best well-rounded collection will have examples of all the various styles of Zuni carvings. Put your best Ricky frog next to this happy Halate fellow -- and it shows the best aspects of each one. Herbert has chosen jet (of course!) for this wide- bodied frog. He has eyes and "raindrops" inlaid of turquoise and his rounded curves and feather-weight are magic in your hand. Signed.