Leekya Deyuse
Zuni, (1889-1966), a necklace designed as a single strand of large coral beads suspending five silver-mounted carved turquoise leaves.
necklace length 18in; largest leaf length 2 1/2in
Footnotes:
Literature
For a similarly executed example, see the circa 1935 seven-leaf necklace from the collection of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, illustrated in Slaney, Deborah C., Leekya, Master Carver of Zuni Pueblo, Albuquerque Museum, Albuquerque, NM, 2018, p. 90, pl. 53 and cover illustration

The collection comprising lots 33-55 was assembled between 1940-1975, beginning when the original collectors moved from Canada to the American Southwest to assist with the war effort in armaments and aircraft design. They were prolific travelers, both for business and pleasure, and always made a point of visiting the reservations to spend time with the local craftsmen and view their wares. Dubbed the 'Oasis Collection' by the original collector, the name honors the beauty of the arid landscapes surrounding the Four Corners, with the rich blues of the turquoise akin to the waters of an oasis. Having been passed down through the family, this collection brings to market for the first time an impressive array of works by the renowned Zuni carver Leekya Deyuse, many of which were acquired directly from the artist or through the trading posts that first introduced his distinctive style to the world at large. The Oasis Collection represents what is likely the largest concentration of unknown works by Leekya and other Zuni and Navajo artisans of the era to come to auction since the legendary C.G. Wallace Collection first set records for such artworks in 1975.
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: Y
Y Prospective buyers should pay special attention to the 'Notice Regarding Regulated Species Materials and CITES Permits' published in the printed catalog. This information is also available by contacting the salesroom.

Good condition overall with some minor scuffs, scratches, tarnishing to silver and minor dust accumulation/soiling commensurate with age and wear. The turquoise leaves with raw edges as designed; largest leaf with an approximately 1/2in x 1/4in semicircular later chip to one corner.