I-M-278 Zuni fetish by Teddy Weahkee.
The people of Zuni Pueblo speak what is known as a language isolate which means that it has no relationship to any other native language and is simply called Zuni. Their pueblo can be found in west central New Mexico about 30 miles from Gallup. Zuni was particularly important for their fetish production producing fetishes for both native consumption as well as for sale to the collector market starting in the late 19th century. Teddy Weahkee (1890-1965) was one of the early fetish makers working from the 1920's through the 1950's. He was particularly well known for his traditional fetishes made much like the 19th century fetishes produced at Zuni, the result being that some of his fetishes appear to be much older than they actually were.
This pollywog fetish is just such an example appearing to be from the 19th century. It is carved from Zuni stone and is in the form of a frog tadpole or pollywog. It was also wrapped in leather bindings and has great incrusted patina which Weahkee often applied to his fetishes. A rare type, we have only seen one other of these tadpole fetishes on the open market.
Approx. 2 1/2"long by 2"h. Circa 1940. $650.00