F549 Dolomite Mountain Lion
Dolomite Mountain Lion by Zuni fetish carver Lance Cheama. The 2 3/4” x 3/4” x 1/2” mountain lion has a exquisitely carved face with jet eyes.
The mountain lion is the "Directional Guardian and prey god of the North. His spirit is associated with personal power and resourcefulness, independence, leadership, spiritual intensity, intuition, fierce protectiveness and loyalty." Mountain lion is carried by travelers to protect them on their journey and also carried by hunters to help ensure a successful hunt.
About the artist
Lance Cheama
Lance Cheama was taught the art of fetish carving by his half-brother Dan Quam. He began fetish carving in 1987. Lance was the first of his siblings (Fabian, Wilfred, and sister Arvella) to become a prominent Zuni carver. He has become known for his realistic mountain lions and lizards with long, thin tails.
Renowned Zuni carvers Stanley Natewa (deceased) and Travis Lasiloo were students of Lance Cheama. There was a period in which it seemed that Lance and Staley Natewa were competing to see who could carve the longest and finest tails on their lizards. He has taught his wife, Karen Cheama (Karen Zuni) the craft as well.
Lance’s detailed, realistic fetishes are a favorite of collectors.
