Lorindina Sheshe - Zuni, Kucate, Fetish Eagle with Turquoise Beads

Description

Aaron, Thelma and Lorindina Sheche

Aaron, Thelma and their daughter Lorindia worked together in a small, studio in the original section of the old Zuni reservation.   

Thelma Sheche’s father, Theodore Kucate, in the 1880’s made the fetishes that Frank Cushing used in his notes to the Smithsonian and later was published in the small phamphlet seen in these photos. 

The Kucate / Sheche fetishes carved here (circa 2000) are true to Zuni tradition.  Kucate carvings are in the Smithsonian Institute Collection, Washington, D.C.  For all practical purposes these handmade carvings were made the same.  The original grinding wheels were pedal powered.  These fetishes were made using a carving wheel powered by an electric motor.  Electricity did not appear on the Rez till the 1950's.

Sadly Aaron Sheche passed away and Thelma is retired.  

We have a few original Aaron, Thelma and Lorindina (marked ATS Zuni, NM) fetishes for sale.  

Last photograph of Aaron Sheche with Thelma Circa 2003

Thelma was an outgoing and charming lady.  Aaron was a quiet and serious man / artist.  Most of the Aaron and Thelma fetishes seen today were carved by Aaron. Thelma helped with the detail work and polishing.

I  always admired Thelma Sheche’s arrowheads. They seem to be maidens.

Thelma Sheche (in the 1950’s) started a Zuni dance troupe that traveled the world. Zuni women danced with beautiful pots on their heads to ancient chants.

Thelma is a mentor, always eager to lend a helping hand.

Thelma and Aaron are deeply religious and spiritual people  who believe in the old ways.  It does not take long to understand that to Thelma and Aaron the old ways, are love and understanding and compassion for all who share this world. 

These values were passed to her and she passes them on to others.

These ideas are clearly seen in their art. While Thelma and Aaron will no longer be carving they have left a legacy that will be with us forever.

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Thelma, Aaron and Lorindina Sheche - are the family of the original Kucate who carved for Frank Cushing

This is a large carving.  It measure about 3" long and about 2" wingspan.

It will more than fill your hand.

The Coral and Turquoise are natural, not treated, gem quality.