F571 Serpentine Spider
Serpentine Spider by Zuni carver Michael Coble. The 1 ¼” x 1 ½” x ½” spider has turquoise eyes.
The spider represents the creative pattern of life.
About the artist
Michael Coble
Michael Coble, who is known for his detailed, realistic carvings, has been carving since the early 1990s. He was mentored in his early years by his neighbor Herbert Him.
Michael Coble, Staley Natewa, and Herbert Him lived within a few houses of each other and they would often confer. Herbert Him was a mentor to Michael and Staley. Michael Coble carvings resulted from that relationship. He is a much-honored artist, whose award-winning work is in museums, as well as shown at Native art shows. Michael enjoys a following for his carefully carved animals.
Michael was one of the younger generation of carvers who was hanging out with the older, more experienced artisans (like Dan Quam) known for their realistic carvings. I mean, who would NOT like to observe Dan Quam, the Cheamas, Herbert Him, Staley Natewa or Travis Lasiloo carve their favorite animals or people? The youngsters would watch and learn the techniques of taking a raw stone and creating both realistic renditions and traditional styles of Zuni fetishes. The "old style" carvings were more likened to a stone found on the ground which already has the general shape or outline of the traditional animals. Now, these "youngsters" are themselves teaching their younger relatives and friends the art and architecture of Zuni fetish carving in the new modern era.
Michael is one of the finest fetish carvers at Zuni and his work exhibits not only a high degree of technical carving skill but also a very creative artistic imagination. He puts his heart and soul into each of his fetishes.
