Edna Leki Serpentine Zuni Wolf Fetish with Spirit Bundle

Description

Light green serpentine sculpted in the shape of a fat-tailed wolf. Incised feet, fur, ears and eyes. Soapstone arrow rests on top, held in place with natural sinew holding turquoise and spiny oyster shell. Edna Leki was the daughter of legendary carver Teddy Weahkee. She began her career as a jeweler, but in her father’s later years she began to assist him with his work. After her father’s death in the 1960s, she continued carving. Her fetishes have the simple lines of old-style carvings, with her own touches added. Some of these are incised lines on tails and in the center of animals’ ears, distinctively “sculpted” arrow points in offerings, and delicately carved mouths. Unlike many of today’s pioneering carvers, she favored traditional materials, including jet, pipestone and several varieties of serpentine. Unsigned, 2″ H x 3.75″ W 1/2″ D