Zuni Maiden Fetish By Derrick Kamasee

Late 20th Century

3" H x .625" L x .75" W

Hand Carved from Ivory with Fine Etched Detail and Black Lines for Eyes

Excellent Condition 

Derrick Kamasee is a renowned Zuni carver from the Laate family, known for innovative and detailed work since the late 1980s. Around 55 years old as of recent profiles, he learned carving from his uncles, Pernell and Maxx Laate, starting with stone before favoring antler for its texture. Kamasee excels in bird carvings but also creates social dancers (e.g., Apache Crown Dancers, Horned Owl figures) and larger pieces like butterfly or squash maidens in pipestone. His works are signed with "DK" and "Zuni" on the base, emphasizing cultural authenticity. He rarely uses antler for maidens but incorporates natural material features, like cracks, into the design.