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  Home > Jewelry > VINTAGE >

PUBLISHED LEEKYA DEYUSE FETISH NECKLACE*INQUIRE*
PUBLISHED LEEKYA DEYUSE FETISH NECKLACE
 
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Artist: Leekya Deyuse

Circa: Late 1930's

Provenance: Trader and Collector from AZ

Quantity in Stock:(Out of Stock)

Availability: Usually Ships in 2 to 3 Business Days
Product Code: NK1
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Description
 
It is true that “some things have a life of their own”. So it is with the carvings of Zuni artist Leekya Deyuse! Born from those skilled hands in the 1930s, the 63 carved creatures in this amazing necklace have “lived” through several transformations. First published on page 3 of the Oscar T. Branson’s book, Fetishes and Carvings of the Southwest, we see these very recognizable bears, wolves and birds arranged in a two-strand necklace, with two additional Fox turquoise birds and one travertine bear. From this form we know it was reconfigured twice as a 3-strand with these 63 fetishes. All components of the current necklace form are correct for the time of the carvings. The very old coral beads are pump-drilled and hand-formed. Their rich sunset hues complement the subtle cream whites and tan pinks of the 28 lightly banded shell birds, 4 bears and 4 wolves. 27 more birds made of very high-grade natural blue green Fox mine turquoise provide a contrasting intensity that gives life to the entire piece! The longest of 3 strands is a loop of 39 inches within which the remaining strands nest, creating a magnificent display. Bears range from 1 1/4 inches to 1 3/4 inches in length. Wolves’ are 1 3/8 inches to 1 1/2 inches long. The shell pedestal birds are 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches, and their Fox turquoise companions are 1/2 inch to 1 inch in length. The necklace back is finished with a 4 1/4 inch traditional wrap to which an ancestral white shell “sing” bead had been attached. We offer this work of art in its current form, beautifully strung and highly wearable. Restoration to its appearance in Branson’s book is also possible.

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