Artist: Lorandina Sheche
Maker's Mark: Initialed
Size: 3 1/4" L x 1 1/2" H x 3/4" H
Price: $145.00
This carving is traditionally used in ceremony celebrating the birth of an infant. The hole is a receptacle for the newborn's umbilical cord, which is then buried to convey blessings to the child. A female baby's owl fetish is buried under the floor (these were dirt floor dwellings) of the home to assure domestic abilities. A male infant's owl would be buried under the sky to promote success in his hunter-gatherer pursuits. It is a seldom seen carving.
Artist: Lorandina Sheche
Maker's Mark: Initialed
Size: 3 3/4" L x 1 5/8" H x 1 1/8" W
Price: $275.00
One of my Zuni friends and I play a round or two of fetish trivia whenever we get together. This was the confounding carving from his most recent visit. I guess "Horse." "No" he replies. I work my way through the other likely candidates. Then the unlikely ones. All are met by the same monosyllabic negative response. I finally give in, "So what is it?"
He explained this is the traditional style that was singular to Aaron (D) and Thelma Sheche. It doesn't remotely resemble the badgers carved by any of the other Zuni families.
Whenever I have talked to anyone who knew Aaron, they have always spoken about him with the greatest respect and reverence. His traditional carving style is carried on by the extended family he influenced. Aaron's daughter, Lorandina, often marks her carvings executed in Aaron's style with her father's initials overscored, along with her own, in his memory.
Click here to order online or call toll-free at 888-479-1746.
We stock many more pieces in the gallery than are shown on these pages.
Email us to inquire about additional carvings from this artist, or just ask us a question.
If you will be in the area and would like to see the collection in person,
please call ahead for an appointment, 888-479-1746.
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We stock many more pieces in the gallery than are shown on these pages.
Email us to inquire about additional carvings from this artist, or just ask us a question.
If you will be in the area and would like to see the collection in person,
please call ahead for an appointment, 888-479-1746.
Close Window