Within Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico, an ancient Puebloan site pays homage to the great Mountain-lion (cougar, puma or panther) through two recumbent volcanic tuff felines surrounded by a wall of stone. In Zuni Pueblo tradition, a mountain lion is the Eldest Brother and most important of the Six-Directional animals. Pilgrimages are made by the Zunis and Cochiti People who leave offerings at the sacred shrine. A while back, The University of New Mexico used a helicopter to remove one of the lions to take it to the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology in Albuquerque. It was returned to the original location amid loud outcry, although the tail was damaged. The park does not disclose the location because Puebloan Peoples do not want others desecrating or damaging the site further. Daphne and Leland Boone's matrix-rich turquoise mountain lion is approximately 2 1/4" long, 1" wide and 1 3/8" tall. Eyes are from coral inlays and a refreshing orange spiny oyster shell point offering bundle is secured to the side of this old-style feline.
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