Art

Item Description

This beautiful singing bear is carved out of antler, with coral and blue and green turquoise inlay. This exemplary piece of craftsmanship makes a big viiusal statement  in a small package. The dimensions are 4" x 1.25 x 1.5".

Bear was the principle animal for the Pueblo People and they are the most prevalent fetishes. Bear fetishes are used for healing, protection, strength, journeying, mothering, hunting and gathering.  Bear's hibernation reminds us of the value of going within.

3 3/4 inches tall

About the artist:

Fetish carver Troy Sice reaches back to a prehistoric Zuni Pueblo tradition in the use of antler and different stone mediums for creating animal and human forms. He is a third-generation carver, the grandson of George H. CheeChee, nephew of Ramie and Miguel Haloo and half-brother of Colvin Peina.

His grandfather is known for his bird fetish necklaces and bird-in-flight pendants since the 1930's. His uncles, Ramie and Miguel Haloo, influenced by their father, started a new trend in the 70's with their whimsical standing bears carved of deer antler. Soon their nephew, Colvin Peina, also followed their footsteps. Colvin introduced his own style of corn maidens and encouraged his younger half-brother, Troy Sice to do the same.

Troy's works include sitting and standing bears, frogs, badgers, and corn maidens. Recently he has added unique singing and dancing bears, in addition to his own take on the famous nativity story. His version includes six inlaid carved figures: Mary, Joseph, the three wise men, and baby Jesus. Sometimes the sets can also include angels, camels, donkeys, cows, sheep, and coyotes. Troy also carves the traditional water serpent Kolowisi, as well as Knifewing, eagle dancer, buffalo dancer, and the Hopi warrior woman.

Troy's art was been in numerous publications such as 505 Magazine, The Collector's Guide of New Mexico, Native Peoples Magazine, and Accent Magazine.

"I so enjoy being witness to the constant evolution of contemporary Zuni art and artists. So much of what we do at Keshi is "off the beaten path" or could be considered of an esoteric nature in the general view, and I see a lot of room for exploration in the form of books and other media in the future. I also believe that the art in Keshi is connecting all kinds of people with that which is archetypal, and it's an honor to be a bridge for people in such a way that facilitates a connection to something profound within."  -Bronwyn Fox Bern Owner of Keshi and long-time KUNM supporter

Item Special Note

Terms For Pickup or Delivery of Items:

• The winner of each auction lot will receive an e-mail following the completion of the auction on November 21, 2013.

• Winning bidders are asked to respond to this e-mail and must do so by 12 p.m. MDT, November 22, to confirm their winning bid on the item(s) in the auction lot.

• The winners of each auction have the option of picking up their item(s) at designated pickup locations in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Details on these pickup locations will be communicated to winning bidders.

• Winning bidders also have the option of having their item(s) shipped to them at additional cost. Gift certificates can be mailed for a flat shipping and handling fee of $5. Any other item type can be shipped to the winning bidder at actual shipping cost, including insurance, for that particular item.