Featured Stone bear

Discussion in 'Tribal Art' started by Potteryplease, May 27, 2024.

  1. Potteryplease

    Potteryplease Well-Known Member

    I'm unable to find any info on this stone bear carving.

    The cord / string looks right but maybe it's too large to be a traditional fetish? Perhaps the stone is serpentine.

    It's large: 3.5" tall, 5" long (9 x 13 cm).

    The thing that gets my attention is the seeming signature (enhanced here with flour).

    Thank you for any comments or suggestions about origins.

    IMG_9715.jpeg IMG_9716.jpeg IMG_9717.jpeg IMG_9718.jpeg IMG_9723.jpeg IMG_9719.jpeg IMG_9721.jpeg
     
    Potteryplease, May 27, 2024
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  2. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    You are correct that it is not a traditional fetish in the sense of an object invested with spiritual power. This one looks like Zuni work, made for the tourist/collector market. I can't tell if we're looking at initials (FM?) or a big Z for Zuni. That sharp, deep, rectilinear cut that separates the legs is no doubt distinctive of a particular artisan or family of artisans.
     
    Bronwen, May 27, 2024
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  3. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    it does look legit for NA !
     
    komokwa, May 27, 2024
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  4. Potteryplease

    Potteryplease Well-Known Member

    Thank you for those valued insights.

    I'm glad to hear you think so!
     
    Potteryplease, May 27, 2024
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  5. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Very cool!
     
    Boland, May 27, 2024
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  6. Potteryplease

    Potteryplease Well-Known Member

    Potteryplease, May 27, 2024
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