Native Zuni Carved Turquoise Frog Fetish Ring By Leekya Deyuse (d.) Size 6.75

Description

Finest Early Native Zuni Carved Turquoise Frog Fetish Ring By Leekya Deyuse (d.) Size 6.75
Excellent antique condition with no damage, chips or cracks. This piece is a prime example of the one and only Leekya Deyuse’s craftsmanship. This piece is extremely rare and perfect for a collection. See pictures for details as part of description.
Size: 6.75
PROVENANCE:
Oasis Collection
Literature:
For a similarly executed seated frog fetish, see Slaney, Deborah C., Leekya, Master Carver of Zuni Pueblo, Albuquerque Museum, Albuquerque, NM, 2018, p. 42, pl. 11a.
In discussing Leekya's stylistic approach to his frogs, Slaney states: 'Often the frogs' bodies are triangular, with much of the massing at the hind legs and tail s if the frog is squatting, alert, preparing to leap. Their expressions evoke satisfaction, contentedness; they smile... Leekya carved their bulbous eyes subtly projecting from the body, sometimes within incised circles, and with eye inlay that could be larger than that of his bears.' ibid, p. 41-43
The collection was assembled between 1940-1975, beginning when the original collectors moved from Canada to the American Southwest to assist with the war effort in armaments and aircraft design. They were prolific travelers, both for business and pleasure, and always made a point of visiting the reservations to spend time with the local craftsmen and view their wares. Dubbed the 'Oasis Collection', the name honors the beauty of the arid landscapes surrounding the Four Corners, with the rich blues of the turquoise akin to the waters of an oasis. Having been passed down through the family, this collection brings to market for the first time an impressive array of works by the renowned Zuni carver Leekya Deyuse, many of which were acquired directly from the artist or through the trading posts that first introduced his distinctive style to the world at large. The Oasis Collection represents what is likely the largest concentration of unknown works by Leekya and other Zuni and Navajo artisans of the era to become available since the legendary C.G. Wallace Collection first set records for such artworks in 1975.
Measures:
Ring Crown;
1.01” long
0.84” wide
Fetish;
0.60” long
0.46” wide
Shipped with USPS