Zuni Pueblo family matriarch Ellen Quandelacy (d) learned the art of fetish carving from her father Johnny Quam (d). She taught her children how to carve including Sandra Quandelacy who is well-known for outstanding Maiden fetishes. Her latest offering is a spectacular whole conch shell carved with a glorious assemblage of six etched Maidens and
Corn-Maidens. The entire surface including the gorgeous inner lip of the gastropod is beautifully detailed with etched stars, a lot of
Dragonflies and arrowed motifs perhaps representing lighting or even heartlines or breath paths. Facial features are incised and fill with jet paste. Colorful coral, turquoise, sugilite and azurite are some of the inlays adorning this approximately 5 1/4" tall, 3 5/8" wide and 3" deep extraordinary piece. Measurements include the lovely fish rock serpentine base that's also adorned with water creature dragonflies.
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