Zuni Pueblo Mounting Lion Fetish By Andres Quandelacy

Late 20th Century

1.125" H x 2.375" L x .5" W

Hand Carved from Royston Green Turquoise with Brown Matrix and 2 Insight Light Blue Turquoise Heartline and Eyes

Excellent Condition

Andres Quandelacy was a renowned Zuni Pueblo fetish carver from a prominent family of artists (including siblings like Faye, Stewart, and Sandra Quandelacy). He was particularly celebrated for his detailed mountain lion (also called cougar or puma) fetishes, often featuring a distinctive profiled style with the tail curled over the back, inlaid turquoise eyes, and a turquoise (or sometimes coral) heartline—a traditional Zuni symbol representing the breath of life or the animal's spirit.

In Zuni tradition, the mountain lion is the guardian of the north and the most powerful hunting animal, symbolizing leadership, resourcefulness, courage, and protection. Fetishes like these are hand-carved from various materials (e.g., mother of pearl, Picasso marble, jet, turquoise, or coral) and are prized by collectors for their craftsmanship and cultural significance.