Teddy Kucate Deer Fetish

Rare Teddy Kucate deer fetish Hand Carved from pipestone with turquoise dot eyes and a turquoise arrowhead offering bundle.  "Theodore Kucate (1888-1980) worked as a farmer and jeweler before he began carving fetishes in the 1920's. He based his early work on drawings in Frank Cushing's "Zuni Fetishes" finding encouragement among traders who appreciated his revival of traditional styles. Kucate's style remained rooted in the past and he never attempted the level of detail achieved by some of his contemporaries. Nevertheless he showed considerable innovation in the way he rendered eyes and other features. Some of his fetishes have simple drilled holes or slits for eyes or on others eyes are indiacted  by inlaid  turquoise chips or in rare instances beads. In his later work, eyes are represented by raised turquoise dots (as is the case with this deer). Often using pitch as an adhesive, Kucate set pieces of coral, jet or turquoise into his fetishes (like the arrowhead attached to this deer). Although he sometimes made horses and non-traditional animals, he fashioned them in simpler, older Zuni style with which he felt comfortable. Local stones were his favorite medium, including Ojo rock found near the Zuni settlement of Ojo Caliente. He continued to carve until shortly before his death in 1980," (The above is an excerpt from Kent McManis's book, Zuni Fetish Carvers The Mid-Century Masters available for sale on our site in the book section). Kent authenticated this carving at his store, Grey Dog Trading in Albuquerque, New Mexico in September of 2018. This fetish was bought from a man in Dallas, Texas in October, 2002. According to him he had bought a whole collection of Native America things in 1971, including this and many other fetishes from a man in Garland, Texas. Buy this museum quality carving now and own an extremely important piece of Zuni art history! 4 1/8" long- 3/4" thick (body)- 2 3/8" tall (antlers). 100% money back satisfaction guarantee. Certificate of authenticity will be included.