Signed Zuni Rare Marble Lizard Fetish Figurine Sculpture - Turquoise Eyes - Handmade by Staley Natewa

This item is a signed Zuni stone carving; "ZUNI" is visible on the underside of the piece.
The carving features the signature "S. NATEWA", referring Staley Natewa, a Zuni artist from the prominent Natewa family of carvers. The Natewa family are known for handcrafted collectibles notable for their intricate detail and cultural significance.

Staley Natewa was one of the most talented carvers at Zuni. Staley began carving fetishes in 1995; this piece is marked '96. Sadly, Staley died at a relatively young age in early 2003, making his work--spanning 8 years--quite rare. Staley began his career under the teaching of renowned Zuni artist Lance Cheama. Staley's intricate Picasso marble fetish carvings of lizards, horned toads, and snakes are some of the most magnificent pieces of contemporary Zuni fetish art found today (source: Penfield Gallery of Indian Arts, Albuquerque, NM).

Picasso marble is known for its unique brown, gray, white, and cream tones. Staley Natewa's work is considered highly collectible, and his pieces are often adorned, as this piece is, with turquoise eyes.

Staley Natewa was a highly respected artist from the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico, whose work is now widely sought after by collectors of Native American art. Natewa quickly distinguished himself through exceptional craftsmanship and a strong sense of realism. His carvings most often depict animals rendered with precise detail, lifelike posture, and exceptional expression, with a strong sense of movement and balance. He worked exclusively in Picasso marble.

This one-of-a-kind piece has no flaws. The carved marble is left natural on top and is more polished on the underside and has veinings of dove gray, pale brown, medium grey, and cream. There are a few prismatic quartzlike areas and undertones of pink and gold. On one foot, there is an area of nearly white marble. I have examined this with a jeweler's loupe and the white is integral to the stone itself and not a flaw or chip. There are several detailed photos to examine to fully appreciate this lifelike Zuni piece. It is large: the lizard is 1 1/2 inches wide and just over 4 inches long. This piece would make a terrific gift or addition to a collection, or as a stand-alone art piece. The mastery of the medium and artistic significance are undeniable. Shipping is free in the contiguous U.S.