The Zuni People (A:Shiwi) know their human ancestors emerged onto Mother Earth after passing through Levels of Emergence, a series of four wet and chaotic underworlds. When they finally surfaced on dry land there were already powerful animals living. These animals preyed upon The People since they were naked and defenseless. They cried out to Great Spirit the Creator of all for help. Hearing these cries, The Creator dispatched the heroic War Twins armed with lighting bolts. The War Twins struck the animals with the lighting bolts transforming the creatures to stone. Their hearts however were left beating in their ossified bodies. These creatures were then entrusted with the mission of assisting humans on their journey being allies and intermediaries. The living spirit of these animals can be represented by the heartline feature which begins at the mouth leading to the heart region.
Kenric Laiwakete's resplendent turquoise-eyed Mountain-Lion (puma, panther, leopard or cougar) does double duty in beauty because either side is inlaid with turquoise heartlines. One side features a stunning triple heartline, while the other has a gorgeous alternating one. It is sculpted from Silverado jet. Jet itself is an opaque coalified fossilized drift wood from ancient trees. Silverado jet differs from other forms of jet in that it's a mineraloid with pyrite inclusions, giving it an irresistible lustrous quality. Approximately 5 1/2" long, 1" wide and 2" tall.
View item
