Delvin Leekya is the son of Francis and the Grandson of Leekya Deyuse. Leekya Deyuse is a key figure in the evolution of Southwest Native American Arts and Crafts... especially, stone animal carving and jewelry.
Francis Leekya, Delvin's father, is a legendary Zuni carver as well. Francis' most inspired carvings were the few years before his death. Wheelchair bound with half his body paralyzed, Francis showed us the beautiful side of humanity. Each Francis carving is handmade, no two are alike.
Delvin would sometimes help Francis with the fetish carvings eyes. Two hands are needed to drill and set a sculpture's eyes.
Delvin's entire life was spent surrounded by art and sculpture.
Delvin Leekya is a master stone sculptor... among the best. I enjoy looking at a carving, holding it, and trying to understand why the carving is as it is. In this case, as is so often the case, the Mountain Lion was sculpted around the images that naturally appear in the stone. A beautiful remnant left over from the Creation.
In addition to the natural, high desert landscapes seen in the Stone, there are tiny crystals in the stone that sparkle in direct sunlight. To truly see inside a stone, hold it up to your eyes... with the Sun shining into the stone from behind you... over your shoulder.
The carving is a tribute to Delvin's father and grandfather. The Lion has the rounded, beautifully carved face of a Leekya Deyuse... with the general shape of a Francis Leekya.
The Offering a Gem Turquoise Leekya Leaf and a beautiful Gem Coral branch.
This is one for the Ages.
Lion is is 3 1/2" long x 2 3/4" tall. It will more than fill your hand. You can not close your hand around it.
