Zuni Artist Resource Team - ZART

Fred Bowannie: Grey Nutria Travertine, Sister Maidens

Their stoic expressions and flawless features evoke a sense of ancient wisdom and ethereal beauty that is beyond compare. As you stand before this majestic carving, you can almost feel the weight of centuries upon them, each curve and line telling a story of time long past. These sister maidens are not merely statues, but guardians of a forgotten realm, frozen in time for eternity.

Available for purchase at www.zarteam.org or direct link below.
https://www.zarteam.org/products/fred-bowannie-grey-nutria-travertine-sister-maidens

Fred Bowannie: Red Jasper, Maiden

The deep red hue of the jasper symbolizes passion, strength, and protection, while the shimmering penn shell eyes seem to follow you wherever you go, their gaze piercing through the veil of time. This exquisite carving is not just a mere object; it is a representation of ancient wisdom and untold stories waiting to be unraveled.

Maiden (kyatsik'i): All types of maidens are part of this collection: Corn Maiden, Grandmother Maiden, Butterfly Maiden, Maiden of Blue Corn, Maiden, etc.

Corn Maiden (A:dow e:washdok'i): In the Zuni Pueblo the three stages of woman are recognized as:

Maiden, symbolizing potential
Mother, the life giver
Grandmother, the wise elder
Usually the maiden fe**sh will be emerging from corn (the corn maiden) or she will have whorls of hair on the side of her head, signifying that she has not had a child. The mother fe**sh also can be emerging from the corn (the corn mother) and she will have children with her or look pregnant. The grandmother usually has a shawl over her head and no corn represented on her body.

Available for purchase at www.zarteam.org or direct link below.
https://www.zarteam.org/products/fred-bowannie-red-jasper-maiden?_pos=2&_sid=1b4e1056d&_ss=r&_su_rec=Ib_oG-5sm5qM4n6sZV6VYlRuyNoZ25RhhOmK4FB1qaACrjLTQFPyLQvKta2v8hjmY-NOY6Nl2iXuTd_X0KamCmU1g7su4kId7gh42AuiOujlmrK5aNokERrIGxVUpBTF_aYnylU_e7SRJOSkMlSxzlaT_w6V_hMnXvZQ1CS1p2BXrUdTlXdUQovRLzZd0vd0mWQnFeJxzHfWXXRdASeRS0x8kFEe1DuB0Rh0wIIEoVGrJek4B_D9l-DG-WWJmtdwrXk8K-YUeXnpuwQ&_su_rec_id=ba4e13a1-da63-432a-ab90-cc8117c56beb-1781714874

Bernard Laselute: Picasso Marble, Big Mouth Bass

A dramatic big mouth bass carved from grey Picasso marble, its textured body capturing the natural curves and muscular form of the fish. The mouth is carved wide open, emphasizing the bass’s signature predatory stance. Vivid turquoise eyes add a striking pop of color, bringing life and intensity to the piece. The combination of earthy grey marble and bright turquoise creates a bold, eye-catching carving full of energy and character.

Fish- (Gysh-she-da) The fish symbolizes our difficult past and hopeful future. You need to follow your heart and follow your intuition.

Available for purchase at www.zarteam.org or direct link below.
https://www.zarteam.org/products/bernard-laselute-picasso-marble-big-mouth-bass

Clayton & Abby Panteah: Fossil, Ferret

This charming ferret is carved from ancient fossil stone, showcasing a beautiful blend of natural earth tones, intricate mineral patterns, and unique textures formed over millions of years. The ferret's sleek body is carefully carved to capture its playful and curious nature, while its bright turquoise eyes provide a striking contrast against the fossil material, bringing warmth and life to the piece.

Available for purchase at www.zarteam.org or direct link below.
https://www.zarteam.org/products/clayton-abby-panteah-fossil-ferret-zuni

Steven Natachu: Dolomite, Fox

The fox (Łanako) is often called “sly,” and this quality may be attributed to the way this creature camouflages itself while silently observing the world around it. The fox’s senses are ever alert, so that it may avoid any danger for itself and its closely bonded family. Twenty-one types of foxes exist around the planet, and in various cultures they are associated with the feminine, as well as with the supernatural, including sixth sense perception, invisibility, and shapeshifting.

The fox meaning can remind us not to reveal too much too soon, or that exercising discretion and restraint can be key to self-empowerment. One great gift of fox medicine is that they can adapt well to most anything for the good of the self and clan, so they will most certainly survive, dwelling comfortably in the borderlands and twilight, always allowing for a bit of amusement and magic along the way.

Available for purchase at www.zarteam.org or direct link below.
https://www.zarteam.org/products/steven-natachu-dolomite-fox-zuni

Daisy Rose Leonard: Picasso/Calcite, Double Mountain Lions

A pair of mountain lions carved side by side, one from patterned Picasso marble and the other from luminous calcite. Both feature silver eyes, adding lifelike detail and character to the carved forms. The contrasting stones highlight the natural beauty and strength of each mountain lion, creating a harmonious and striking display.

Mountain lion (Hokdidasha): is at the top of the food chain and is regarded to be a great hunter and leader. Mountain lion’s presence is usually felt but not seen. Mountain Lion medicine is about setting good examples and boundaries.

Available for purchase at www.zarteam.org or direct link below.
https://www.zarteam.org/products/daisy-rose-leonard-picasso-marble-double-mountain-lions

Juana Homer: Zuni Stone, Bear with Bundle

The bear itself is carved in a traditional, compact form—broad-shouldered, low to the ground, with strong limbs and a slightly bowed head. Its posture suggests quiet strength and determination, the enduring presence of a guardian or protector. The rounded back and softly detailed body convey both physical power and spiritual weight, characteristic of the bear as a totem of healing, courage, and introspection. Set into the bear’s face are turquoise eyes, bright and full of life. Their cool blue color contrasts beautifully with the warm tan stone, lending the bear a sense of awareness and spiritual vitality. The eyes give it presence—watchful, wise, and enduring. On the bear’s back rests a pink mussel shell arrowhead, delicately shaped and gently iridescent. The pink tones shimmer subtly in the light, ranging from soft rose to pale coral, and its placement on the bear’s back is rich with meaning. In Zuni tradition, the arrowhead symbolizes protection and the bear’s role as a healing animal, while the shell’s pink hue adds a layer of softness, nurturing, and emotional depth.

Bear (Anshe): Bear was the principal animal for the Pueblo People and they are the most prevalent subject of Zuni fe**shes. Bear fe**shes are used for healing, protection, strength, journeying, mothering, hunting and gathering. Bear‚ hibernation reminds us of the value of going within.

Available for purchase at www.zarteam.org or direct link below.
https://www.zarteam.org/products/juana-homer-zuni-stone-bear-with-bundle

Elton Kaamasee: Antler, Quail

A detailed quail delicately carved from natural antler perches gracefully atop a rustic tree stump, both shaped from the same piece of antler. The carving highlights the organic textures and warm cream-to-brown tones of the material, giving the piece a natural and earthy character. The quail’s smooth turquoise eyes provide a vibrant contrast against the antler, bringing life and spirit to the carving. Fine feather details and the natural curves of the antler add depth and movement, while the stump base enhances the woodland feel of the piece.

Available for purchase at www.zarteam.org or direct link below.
https://www.zarteam.org/products/elton-kaamasee-antler-quail-zuni

Darrell Westika: Sand Stone, Bear with Bundle

A powerful bear carved from warm sandstone stands with a grounded and protective presence, showcasing the natural earthy tones and soft textures of the stone. Its polished turquoise eyes bring a striking contrast to the matte sandstone, giving the carving a sense of wisdom and spirit. Resting along the bear’s back is a serpentine arrowhead, symbolizing life, strength, guidance, and protection. The green hues of the serpentine complement the turquoise accents beautifully, creating a balanced blend of natural colors inspired by traditional Native artistry. The carving embodies endurance, courage, and a strong connection to the earth.

Bear (Anshe): Bear was the principal animal for the Pueblo People and they are the most prevalent subject of Zuni fe**shes. Bear fe**shes are used for healing, protection, strength, journeying, mothering, hunting and gathering. Bear‚ hibernation reminds us of the value of going within.

Available for purchase at www.zarteam.org or direct link below.
https://www.zarteam.org/products/darrell-westika-sandstone-bear-with-bundle-zuni