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Staley Natewa (d.) | ||
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Staley Natewa was the first carver we met in Zuni. It was mine and Dave's first time to visit the Pueblo, I think in 1997 .. and we bought several of his pieces from Dennis Ortega of (then) Pueblo of Zuni Arts & Crafts. Dennis called him down to meet us. Dave was purely star struck which was only compounded by the introduction of Staley's companion: Herbert Him. Stunned silly, Dave left me to do all the talking .. frankly, he's still star struck by the amazing work produced by those pairs of talented hands. It was a very sad day when we learned that Staley had passed away, some six years later. He left an indelible mark on his community and the collecting community at large. He rose quickly to become very popular with the collectors. His eye for design, skill in carving, patience in etching and bringing a fresh, contemporary style to the tradition of Zuni fetishes was recognized quickly as something special. He was known for a variety of carvings but most people know him from his lizards, snakes and horned lizards. He had a couple of textural styles - "polka dot" or dimpling and the amazing, precise cross hatching. This black and brown Picasso marble lizard is of the dimpling variety. Though we suspect he developed it to merely keep up with demand (because he was selling them as quickly as he made them!), it is less labor intensive as the checkering but still amazing in realism and execution. This particular lizard has more curves than Marilyn Monroe - but it isn't superflous. Have you ever seen a lizard poised for action on a hot rock in the desert sun? They are positively humming with energy. That is how Staley's lizards are. You seriously expect to see them skitter across your desk. This guy would be twice as long were his tail out straight rather than twisted up and over his back. it is beautifully segmented and proportionate to the body. The lizard's head is cocked - obviously eyeing a resting bug nearby - and the eyes are inlaid of Sleeping Beauty turquoise. Oddly, it is signed "S. Nat" on the bottom -- as if Staley was interruped and forgot to finishing signing. Kind of poignant .. considering. Not for the timid, nor faint of heart; to own a Staley Natewa piece is to recognized the absence of an all too talented soul taken far too soon. Truly spectacular - obviously finite - a joy to possess, from our estate collection.
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The Zuni Fetish Story
If you're new to Zuni fetish collecting and interested in learning more about them, we have written a short article about Zuni fetishes and what they mean to the Zuni culture. CLICK HERE to read the article on Zuni fetishes.
Zuni Fetish Meanings
We've written this article to inform Zuni fetish collectors about the specific meanings and attributes of the more traditional Zuni fetish carvings.
CLICK HERE to read the article on Zuni fetish meanings.
The Zuni LanguageIf, as a Zuni fetish collector, you haven't had the opportunity visit Zuni Pueblo but would enjoy hearing some words in the Zuni language, we hope you'll findthis article interesting and informative. CLICK HERE and turn up your volume to enjoy! The Zuni Spirits BlogIn an effort to keep our collectors informed of new arrivals, posts of interest to Zuni fetish collectors, the latest critters to visit our east Texas woods, rants, raves and rambles will be published HERE at the Zuni Spirits Blog. You may subscribe (& unsubscribe) at this link. | ||
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