Stewart and his wife Priscilla Lasiloo are members of the Quandelacy family of carvers descended from Grandfather Johnny Quam (d.) and Mother Ellen (d.). Talented siblings include Albenita Yunie, Andres and wife Colleen, Avery, Barlow, Dickie, Faye, Georgia, Sandra and Wilmer. The up and coming generation of Quandelacy carvers includes: Stuart, Vickie, Channin, Leon, and Chad, Kateri Sanchez, and Brian and Jeffrie Yunie, and Fonda Lasiloo. Quite a line-up!
This medicine bear is made from a beautiful piece of ricolite. A "lightning bolt" (naturally occuring in the stone) eminates from the bears mouth! What a great use of stone! The eyes and the heartline are inlaid of (you guessed it!) Sleeping Beauty turquoise, and the carving is unsigned, typical of the carving family. Great Bear! (A bear from the same stone, carved by Priscilla Lasiloo, is also in this posting.
If you would like to read more about the characteristics and attributes of Zuni Fetishes click here. And click here to hear "Bear" in Shiwi, the language of Zuni.