Hayes Leekya's father was the late Francis Leekya who grew up surrounded by Zuni carvers from the 1940s to the 1960s. He learned to carve in the old-style, his work transcending this world as he had a natural knack in conveying an animal's spirit through stone. Hayes' sat with his dad while he worked on many carvings. He's also an accomplished jeweler so he applies these fine techniques to carving. Hayes' latest offering is a friendly
Bear who is looking for a new home. Endearing eyes are from pen shell inlays, while a vibrant orange spiny oyster shell point or leaf element is accompanied by pen shell and turquoise. About 2 1/2" long, 1 3/8" wide and 1 3/4" tall, carved from Indigenous Zuni travertine.
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