Heavy vintage brass/silver copy of a bear fetish by mastercraftsman Leekya DeYuse (b.1889-1966). Known as Old Man Leekya or just Leekya he began producing in 1920 through his death in 1966. Known basically for his fetish carvings and fetish jewelry his carvings and jewelry was selling at places like Sotheby’s for over $10,000 a piece in 1975. This is the second of fifty copy/tributes made of one of Leekya’s famous bear fetishes standing on a wood log made with solid brass and coated with silver. The tribute on the front states “From An Original Carving by Leekya Deyuse” and on the opposite back side is hallmarked “2-50” Copyright LeRoy 77”

The casting measures 3 1/8” by 2 1/2” across the base and stands approximately 2” tall. The bear measures 1 1/4” tall by 2 1/2” across and the whole piece weighs 298.9 grams (10.54 oz or 9.61 ozt). Bold, rare, heavy brass/silver casting laying tribute to the master of Zuni fetish carvers! $679.95