The stunning Valles Caldera is an approximately 13 mile wide volcanic basin-like depression in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico. Bubbling hot springs, clean streams, fumaroles, natural gas seeps and volcanic domes exist there. Beneficial animals like Mountain-lions (cougars, pumas or panthers) are a top predator native to the Valles Caldera. In the early 1900s these great cats including beneficial Coyotes and Wolves killed throughout the lower 48 states as part of a predator-removal program. Today Indigenous knowledge, which is rooted in the relationship between humans and their environment, is inspiring and informing conventional scientists like biologists and others of the vital importance of wild animals in their natural habitats in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Preferring rocky, rugged territory, these elusive felines make the Valles Caldera their birthright home. Vince Chavez's smoothly sculpted feline has been carved from local Zuni travertine in the old-style with a luscious tail up and over the backside. Eyes are from turquoise inlays. About 4 3/8" long, 1 3/8" wide and 3" tall.
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