Todd Westika, Zuni, Extremely Rare, Purple Sugilite Buffalo

Description

This Buffalo Fetish Carving is unsigned. I bought it from Todd Westika, Zuni carver.  It is a departure from Todd's usual buffalo carvings, which are adorned with add-on features.

In my opinion, this carving is about the Sugilite. I believe Todd carved around the buffalo that he saw in the stone.  The beautiful gem turquoise arrowhead and eyes of the carving confirm that. No artist puts best quality material and great effort in less than the his best work.

The  Westika family are old time Zuni carvers.  A Todd Westika Buffalo graces the cover of a Kent McManis book. 

Sugilite, there was never much. I believe there is no more... extinct.  Sugilite is valuable simply as it comes out of the ground.  It's mystical beauty,  its use in high end jewelry,  and its rarity...  all assure that.

This Buffalo was carved Circa Y2K.  It's been kept in a safe except for the occasional photo shoot.   

I never saw Gem Sugilite used in stone carving before, or since, for that matter. 

I believe the Westikas had the stone from early in its mining.  Before Sugilite became  expensive.  Clearly, Todd knew this stone was special or it would not have the gem turquoise arrowhead and eyes.

And, the carving feels great in your hand.

The best way to see into stone is with the Suni at your back.

Sugilite  Buffalo measures 3" long by 2" tall... It is a thick, substantial, one of a kind  sculpture.