Virgil Long is a skilled woodworker carving a variety of katsina dolls. In real life, Katsinas are sacred ancestral spirits that come during Hopi religious dances. Virgil's latest offering is a sculpted cottonwood Long Hair Mana katsina doll. Three Ha hai Wuhti or Cradle Dolls who are the protector of babies, make an appearance poking out from under the blanket's fold. Pleasing acrylic paints are applied in red, turquoise, yellow, black and white hues. Measurements including base are approximately 9" tall, roughly 2 1/2" wide and 3 1/4" deep. Signed by the artist.

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Katsinas are powerful and immortal spirits to the Hopi Pueblo People. They are called tithu or katsintithu, sacred supernatural beings who function as messengers between the spiritual worlds. Katsina dolls are representations of these beings and are not sacred themselves. Virgil Long is a wonderful woodworker of cottonwood creating colorful acrylic-painted Katsina dolls like his latest offering "Snow Maiden". Her presence represents prayers for snowfall that ensure fertile land for planting season. Dimensions of this signed by the artist woodwork are approximately 8 1/2" tall, 2 3/8" wide and 2" deep.

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Virgil Long's hand-carved cottonwood "White Chin" Katsina doll is known as Tuma-uyi, an important bringer of rain. This sacred katsina is part of the enormous Katsinam of the Hopi Pueblo People believed to bring harmony in nature, beneficial rainfall, good crops, fertility and successful hunting. Bold acrylic paints are carefully applied to this approximately 9" tall, 2 1/2" wide and 2 1/4" deep lovely woodwork. Signed by the artist.

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Bobbie Natewa's wonderfully crocheted Zuni Man doll is traditionally attired in moccasins, totes a crossbody pouch, wears a head scarf and belt sash with her initials woven in. This amazingly handmade artwork is bountifully decorated with miniature costume jewelry including a little concho belt and a real bivalve shell necklace. This special collectible work of art comes with a complimentary doll stand. About 16" tall, 15" wide and 6" deep, from soft earth-toned acrylic yarns.

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Bobbie Natewa has been a wonderful fetish carver in the past. She's also a wonderful crochet artist. Her latest offering is a colorful Zuni Olla Maiden doll skillfully hand-crocheted from soft acrylic yarn, dressed and ready for all the doings. In real life, Olla Maidens skillfully balance pottery jars a top their heads, dancing in grace and tradition. No detail was spared. A dress called a manta is secured by a sash belt. A pretty knitted pink and white blouse has sweet ruffled sleeves. A cape bears blossoms accompanied by Bobbie's initials. Hair is traditionally styled. Generously adorned with miniature costume jewelry like earrings, a naja or crescent necklace, bracelets and rings, she also comes with a complimentary display stand. A wonderful collectible treasure. About 20" tall, 15" wide and 6" deep.

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When asked by Pautiwa The Sun Father what he wanted, Anshe (Bear) replied that he desired to go to Zuni with the other Katsina spirits. His request granted, the other Katsinas had him take off his fur coat and dressed him like a Katsina to be part of a Mixed Dance. Felino Eriacho's stunning Bear Katsina doll is hand-carved from cottonwood. He makes the pastel-like pigments from plants and minerals he forages, mixing them according to tradition and experience. This practice can take a full year to complete due to seasonal changes. These natural paints are mesmerizingly beautiful giving the carving a softly-aged appearance. The gorgeous blue hues are derived from lapis lazuli and turquoise. An offering necklace is laced with turquoise and branch red coral beads. The carved feather element is securely glued to the head, otherwise the entire woodwork is one piece. Including base, measurements are about 7 1/2" tall, roughly 2 3/8" wide and 2 1/8" deep. Signed by the artist.

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A warm autumn afternoon has ushered in a wonderfully-sized Raven (or crow) who perches on a lookout in hopes of spotting a quick meal. Alan Lewis is a great woodcarver bringing us creations like this approximately 15" long, 4" wide and 4 1/2" tall corvid from cottonwood. Colorful acrylic paints highlight a burnished Zuni Sunface and rain cloud element on the perch region. We love the streamlined look of this large woodwork. Signed by the artist. View item

Sacred Dowa Yalanne or Corn Mountain and Zuni village is richly rendered in carved cottonwood by Alan Lewis. The amazing growth rings and natural gnarls of the root are pleasing to the eye. Burnished details of Zuni Village include many traditional baking ovens called hornos, little wooden beams known as vigas, small doorways and climbing ladders. Lively acrylics highlight bountiful yellow, blue, red and white corn. A Zuni Sunface which represents a balance of the elements hangs protectively in the sky. A handsome woodwork of a great size at about 8" tall, 8 1/2" wide and 4" deep.

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Altruistic, highly intelligent and downright delightful are dolphins. Known for rescuing fellow water creatures and humans, these deep-diving and beloved marine mammals make up approximately 40 different species who joyfully swim the world's oceans. Waldo Davis' onyx dolphin sculpture is a beauty at approximately 6 1/4" tall, 4" wide and 2 1/4" deep. Eyes are from jet in turquoise inlays. Laud the magic of these incredible beings with this fabulously-sized sea creature.

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Salvador Romero has uncanny ability to carve an animal's essence as he loves rocks and animals. Immortalized in a nicely-weighty bronze, a collectible Bear with a removable bronze heart offering will be prized for generations. Attractive olive-green hues embody the bear while the beautifully shaped-heart is a generous gift in a rich bronze-red color. Together they measure about 4" tall, 2 1/2" wide and 3" deep. Signed by the artist. View item

Fred Bowannie, Jr.'s traditional "Harvest Dancer" Katsina doll is intricately carved from cottonwood and painted with lively acrylics. Feast your eyes on the many different parts with exquisite details such as a headdress with colorful yellow, red and blue corn. Painted hovering Dragonflies are beneficial pollinators. Long hair is incised and accented with feather and ribbons, all incredibly carved. A kilt with sash and pelt, as well as moccasins are worn. Rattles are held. Including the cottonwood base with a three dimensional feature, measurements of this extraordinary woodwork representing the bounty are approximately 10" tall, 3 1/4" wide and 3 5/8" deep. Signed by the artist.

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The Dragonfly companions who are etched into the shawl of a wonderful Zuni Mother, are drawn to a bowl filled with life-giving water, represented by the colorful turquoise acrylic paint. Children are at her feet, learning traditional knowledge that will carry them all their days. Hair is beautifully incised and peaceful facial features are given. Alan Lewis lovingly hand-carved and hand-painted, with cottonwood and bright acrylic paints, this approximately 12" tall, 2 5/8" wide and 2 1/4" deep extraordinary woodwork. Signed by the artist.

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Skillfully balancing pottery jars a top their heads, Zuni Olla Maidens dance in grace and tradition. Bart Gasper, Jr.'s De:hakdo:kwe "Olla Maiden" katsina doll has been masterfully carved from cottonwood root, to a height of approximately 13 1/2" tall, 3 3/4" wide and 4" deep, measurements include the base. We're astonished by Bart's mastery in wood carving because the clothing and boots demonstrate realistic soft folds. She wears a lovely dress called a manta secured by a sash belt and has white boots. Dazzling Hummingbirds and vibrant blooming flowers also adorn. Little corn cobs are held by hands decorated with crushed turquoise bracelets. A gorgeous pottery jar is also filled with crushed turquoise to represent water. It is hard to believe Bart created this extraordinary woodwork with no electric tools, only hand tools. Exquisite details are achieved by pyrogravure etching, carefully applied vivid acrylic paints and nice colored pencils. Signed by the artist. View item

The clean, flowing lines of this sleek Mountain-lion (panther, puma or cougar) are hard to resist in Herbert Halate's larger sculpture from jet. Precisely inlaid turquoise eyes, lovely incised whiskers and a turquoise and white marble point side offering bundle are wonderful features of this grand piece that would be a striking addition to any collection. Measurements are approximately 9 1/2" long, 2" wide and 3 1/4" tall. View item

Elise Westika has carved a cute, long-lashed parrot or other feathered friend from cottonwood and hand-painted it with colorful acrylic paints. A mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli and aventurine bead offering necklace is attached in thankfulness for a parrot's sweet spirit including its everyday determination and diligence. Perched at approximately 2 1/4" tall, 1 3/8" wide and 1 3/8" deep. View item

An amazing pueblo village is skillfully hand-carved and gorgeously hand-painted from cottonwood and acrylics. We see two traditional baking ovens called hornos situated out front, enchanted door ways, windows and vigas or roof beam supports capped with colorful turquoise paint. Etched building blocks are suggestive of adobe mud bricks or perhaps stone, detailed in an ombre of lovely purple, magenta and orange colors. We love how Alan Lewis allowed the natural curvature of the wood to show through, beautiful. Signed by the artist. About 10 1/2" tall, 7" wide and 5 1/2" deep. View item

Dylan Poblano is a uniquely expressive artist who studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. He descends from Zuni Pueblo carving great Leo Poblano (d). "Anasazi Traveller" is a dynamic hand-fabricated sterling silver sculpture that's only 2 3/4" tall, 7/8" wide and 7/8" deep but holds so much meaning. The Anasazi were ancient ancestral Puebloans whose descendants are Pueblo and Hopi Peoples. Wearing a traditional headdress called a tablita, adorned with rays of intersecting lines and presented on a star-shaped base, perhaps "Anasazi Traveller" represents the many pathways of innate knowledge Indigenous ones have and want to share. Signed by the artist. View item

"Magpie Overlook" is an outstanding and large original acrylic painting from Anthony Gchachu's Land Of The Shalako, Winter Solstice series. The hand-stretched canvas on wood frame depicts a blessed Zuni winter scape where a magpie gazes at a distant tree line, while thinking of its mate who perches farther out in the very top of a pine tree, wonderful depicted by Anthony. He says they are significant others, a pair who mate for life. Magpies are bright corvids with iridescent blue, black and green plumage as Anthony beautifully bestowed in the peacefully perched bird. Generous strokes of thick white paint bring depth and texture to this engaging feathered friend whose presence, along with its partner will bring a sense of calm and serenity to any room. Anthony's traditional landscapes are collectible, don't miss this engaging work that's approximately 24" by 36". Signed by the artist. Extra shipping charges may apply. Please click here to learn more about Anthony's work.

 

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We're happy to welcome Erin Bulow to Keshi's website with a captivating hand-painted acrylic on stretched canvas, measuring a charming 6" by 4", and 1 1/2" deep. The sensational rainbow of colors cascade with bold black geometric designs inspired of his Zuni Pueblo heritage. An original work that's signed by the artist. View item

Traditional cottonwood has been smoothly carved into a decorative tomahawk by Gregg Lasiloo, an award-winning Zuni Pueblo artist. Vibrant cobalt blue, earth-toned red and orange acrylic paints are harmoniously applied to this handmade ax. The carved feathers are intricately etched, while lovely cotton cord and soft sueded leather adheres them to this amazing woodwork. Approximately 21" long including sueded leather loop. The "blade" is 7" wide. The feathers themselves are roughly 10" long. Signed by the artist. Extra shipping charges may apply. View item

Vibrant red, orange, light blue, purple, pink, green and yellow glass seed beads represent a lush bouquet of wildflowers, artfully hand-beaded on a repurposed Louis Vuitton leather flap. It compliments the soft white buckskin leather pouch perfectly. Flowing fringe is tipped with melodious silver jingle cones. Handmade by Nathalie Waldman, everything about this work of wearable art is stunning. It's about 31" long including the hand-braided strap. The usable pouch itself is about 2 1/2" by 1 1/2". The pouch with lovely fringe is approximately 9" long. View item

Ancestral Puebloans kept scarlet macaws and parrots over a thousand years ago at Pueblo Bonito in the American southwest. These beautiful birds came from far away, thousands of miles south, brought by traders traveling on foot. Edward Lewis' approximate 12" by 6" metal license plate blank is the canvas of choice for his stunning acrylic painted exotic bird pairing. Vibrant colors and pueblo-inspired designs enchant. Signed by the artist. View item

"Evolution Of Life" tells an ancient story of harmonious emergence and prosperous existence in a distinguished and reversible pipestone sculpture by revered Zuni Pueblo artist Herbert Him, Sr.

Originating from a spiral element that's beautifully carved clean-through, is an abundance of reptiles and amphibians, such as turquoise-eyed Turtles (or tortoises), Frogs and squiggly tadpoles or polliwogs, with drilled eyes. They represent life giving water, an essential primordial ingredient. The reverse sides depicts an etched pottery offering bowl cradling a pueblo village detailed with individually carved mud bricks or stones, and little windows. A flute-playing effigy, perhaps a Kokopelli, makes traditional melodies, while an inlaid turquoise, coral, mother-of-pearl and jet Zuni Sunface symbol blesses the land with balance.

One side of this approximate 4" tall, 5 1/4" wide and 2" deep wonderful work has incised petroglyphs such as a raincloud, star, moon and lightning bolt designs. The opposite side is carved with a sacred Corn stalk. The individual corn cobs are inlaid with shimmering mother-of-pearl. An exciting, signed by the artist, collectible work. Extra shipping charges may apply.

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Traditional cottonwood root has been hand-carved and hand-painted with lively acrylic paints, in Tiffany Tsabetsaye's "Red Beard Rain Dancer, Spirit From The Kiva" rain-making katsina doll. Long etched hair represents rainfall and a cloud element nourishes the land with gently falling moisture. Many exquisite details are to be enjoyed in this approximate 9" tall, 3" wide and 3" deep katsina. Measurements include the lovely burnished base. Signed by the artist. Extra shipping charges may apply.

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Dylan Poblano is a wonderfully creative and distinguished artist from Zuni. He studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. His mother is award-winning carver and jeweler Veronica Poblano, while his grandfather was noted artist Leo Poblano (d). His sister is carver and beadworker Jovanna Poblano.

Dylan's latest offering is an original and vibrant acrylic painting titled "Zuni Hotshots". In the postwar era, Native American fire suppression crews started across the United States and Alaska, including Zuni Pueblo. Active to this day, they're called “Hotshot” crews as they work the hottest part of wildfires. They're the most fit, experienced and highly trained.

Chopping wood while perhaps dreaming of his true love, an off duty Zuni Hotshot works away. His Stihl chainsaw is close by, as well as a journal or maybe a buzzing cell phone, and a bagged lunch. The greenery such as the tall pine tree, yucca plant and blooming cactus are amazing. Signed by the artist. About 8" by 10". Extra shipping charges may apply.

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A mother Turtle tends to her cherished nest of eggs among the protective cattails. She's ensured a good life with her hatchlings because a Zuni rain cloud emitting gently falling rain, and energetic lightning bolts and stars dwell with her. Etched feathers and other pueblo-inspired elements adorn this approximate 12" tall, 10" wide and 1" deep pine wood pyrogravure by Cameron Kalestewa. This exquisite composition was intricately burnt out, accomplished with the pyrogravure art technique which involves burning a design on a surface such as wood, with a heated object. Vibrant acrylic paints are beautifully applied. A metal and cotton wrapped hook is provided to facilitate a suspension if desired. It's equally gorgeous laying flush to a surface. Signed by the artist. Extra shipping charges may apply. View item

The passage of time, water and wind brought together sand-sized grains of rock fragments, minerals and organic material to form sandstone, which feels so good to touch. The late Darrell Westika's standing Bear with peaceful eyes of inlaid turquoise, holds an etched drum or perhaps pottery jar, all carved from a golden portion of textural sandstone. An offering necklace is strung with prized beads like precious pink coral, turquoise, red coral and heishe shell. Including the handsome sandstone base, measurements are approximately 9" tall, 4" wide and 7" deep. View item

Dylan Poblano continues to inspire us with his mastery of various art forms like painting, jewelry, fetish carving and sculpture. His mother is distinguished carver and jeweler Veronica Poblano, while his grandfather was noted artist Leo Poblano (d). His sister is carver and beadworker Jovanna Poblano. Dylan grew up spending time in his family's studio where artistic endeavors flourished.

We're excited to share his latest creation in sterling silver, a two-piece "Star Deity With Water" sculpture that celebrates these magnificent celestial bodies. Surrounded by many stars, is a deity wearing a traditional tablita headdress. Cascading from a bowl is life-giving water. This fabulous water component is removable. A museum-quality sculpture measuring about 2 1/4" tall, 2" wide and 1 1/2" deep. Signed by the artist. Because the gorgeous star elements are fabricated with cleanly pointed tips, please handle with care. 

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A glorious and harmonious collaboration between Patrick Sanchez and Andres Lementino has produced this stunning Bear (or Medicine-bear) permanently presented on a sandstone point base. Using exciting acrylics, Patrick carefully painted a Zuni Sunface element, which appears on either side of this turquoise-eyed sandstone bear carved by Andres. The Sunface symbol represents the elements in balance. Sacred Dowa Yalanne or Corn Mountain, which is located in Zuni, is depicted in the composition as well. About 6 1/2” long, 4” wide and 5” tall. Signed by the artists. Extra shipping charges may apply. View item

Dylan Poblano is a versatile and creative artist expressing himself in fetish carving, jewelry, painting and sculpture. He comes from the greater Teddy Weahkee (d) family of accomplished Zuni artists. His sister is carver and jeweler Jovanna Poblano. Their mother is renowned artist Veronica Poblano. 

Masterfully hand-fabricated and gloriously textured sterling silver makes up the majority of this exquisite bird with egg and nest sculpture. The jet-eyed feathered friend has a vibrant spiny oyster shell beak, a mother-of-pearl body and wears a glorious cape of sterling silver feathers. A removable mother-of-pearl shell egg is lovingly cared for by this attentive parent bird. At the base, perhaps toadstools, pebbles, plant life and other lovely foliage happily grows.

We've never seen such a beautifully constructed sculpture by Dylan. It's fabulously contemporary but has an engaging, almost old-world feel to it. About 4 1/4" tall, 1 1/4" wide and 1 1/2" deep. Extra shipping charges may apply.

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Dylan Poblano is an artist that comes from the greater Teddy Weahkee (d) family of Zuni artists. His sister is carver and jeweler Jovanna Poblano. Their mother is Veronica Poblano. Together, this family continues in an important artistic tradition.

Dylan's all hand-fabricated sterling silver "Lightning Deity" figure is an incredible celebration of rain clouds and their powerful static charges that produce lightning, seen as a bright flashes of electricity. These weather producing phenomenons usually result in life-giving and replenishing rains, for which this piece represents.

Layers of alternating lightning bolt elements serve as the headdress for this approximate 3 3/4" tall, 2" wide and 1 1/4" wide work. This special creation is dynamic in presentation because it gives a sense of the unseen whirling winds moving throughout the blanket and clouds. This magnificent small sculpture is signed by the artist.

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"The Honored One" is a magnificent tribute and remembrance from daughter Veronica Poblano to her wonderful father, iconic Zuni carver Leo Poblano (d). He was the nephew of Teddy Weahkee (d). Their enormous contribution to Zuni fetish carving continues in the gifted hands of Veronica.

Masterfully carved from rare and old Morenci turquoise on a crushed red coral and amazing Kingman turquoise base, Veronica's beloved father Leo stands strong in his traditional clothing or blanket, that's inlaid with fabulous sections of red coral, pen shell and white shell. Other accents include red coral and turquoise cabochons that are inlaid with sterling silver, acting as his jewelry. His friendly eyes are of inlaid pen shell and shell, while his finely incised hair is secured with beautiful sections of natural branch red coral, serving as a head bandana. His moccasins are of rich pipestone and white shell. 

On the back of his blanket, Veronica's inlaid a lovely limpet shell from Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off British Columbia’s west coast, in Canada. A turquoise stone rests within this treasured shell. 

Including the base, this important and small sculptural figurine is about 4 1/4" tall, 2" wide and 2 5/8" deep. Veronica's sterling silver signature label is permanently attached to this outstanding museum-quality piece. 

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Keli'i Eli's "Zuni Scout Warrior" is an outstanding sculpture representing active strength and courage. He worked the honey calcite stone in a magnificent way, creating a determined warrior's bust with strong arms and ready hands upon his accoutrement, perhaps a tomahawk. Exceptional facial features including a speaking mouth, are carved along with a traditional braided bandana wrapped around evenly incised hair. This amazing piece will command any space, bringing good energy and a warrior's spirit we all must summon within. About 8 1/2" long, 3 1/2" wide and 6 3/4" tall. Extra shipping charges may apply.

 

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Raccoons are excellent mothers. Evander Shelendewa's wonderful wood sculpture depicts a baby raccoon playing hide and seek with its patient mother, weaving in and out of an old tree trump. All hand-carved and hand-painted with acrylic paints, Evander's delightful work is about 2 1/2" tall, 3 1/2" wide and 3 3/4" deep. Signed by the artist. View item

Elise Westika along with her partner Evander Shelendewa have carved this personality-plus raccoon holding an apple, of cottonwood. This playful woodland creature is incised for fur detail and hand-painted with acrylic paints. An offering necklace of turquoise beads is attached. About 6 1/2" tall, 2 7/8" wide and 3 1/2" deep. Signed by the artists. Extra shipping charges may apply View item

Fred Bowannie Jr.'s extraordinary all hand-carved and hand-painted, cottonwood and acrylic paints "Bringer Of Seeds" katsina is about 9 1/2" tall, 8 1/2" wide and 4" deep.

We see the "Bringer Of Seeds" katsina emerging from a pottery offering bowl filled with colorful corn cobs and wheat stalks of plant fiber and cloth cording. The katsina is traditionally dressed wearing his kilt, jewelry and headdress with feathers.

At the base sits other gifts such as a red chili ristra, melons, squash, green onions, tomatoes and pumpkin. All this bounty is a result of the amazing seeds that transform themselves into life-giving food.

Signed by the artist. Extra shipping charges may apply.

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Evander Shelendewa's all hand-carved and hand-painted, cottonwood and acrylic paints, raccoon is super adorable, sitting at about 4" tall, 1 3/4" wide and 2" deep. He incised this fun critter all over for fur detail and added a turquoise offering necklace as well. Signed by the artist. View item

Azurite Bear preparing for the downswing with its sterling silver golf club. Carefully positioned on the 'green', a base of verdite, ready to make a hole in one! A perfect gift for the golfer in your life! 3 1/4" long and 2 7/8" tall. View item

~BOOK~
by Toshio Sei

copyright 2010

published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd., Atglen, Pennsylvania

This book investigates the origins and contemporary interpretations of the Knifewing god and the sacred Rainbow Man in Zuni mythology expressed through jewelry by 28 Zuni artists. This wonderful book contains 186 color photos.

144 pages

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