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Late 20th Century
.375" H x 2.125" L x 1.625" W
Hand Carved from Pinkish Stone with 2 Inlaid Turquoise Eyes and a Square Etched Pattern on the Back of His Shell
From a Private Colorado Collection
Excellent Condition
A Zuni Pueblo Turtle Fetish by L. Quam (often misread or truncated as "L. Guam") is a hand-carved spiritual object created by a member of the renowned Quam family of the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. In Zuni culture, the turtle is a sacred symbol representing longevity, protection, Mother Earth, and grounding.
The name "L. Guam" is a reference to Launa Quam or Laura Quam, who are well-known carvers from the Quam family. The Quam family, including artists like Andrew, Laura, and Jayne Quam, often collaborates on pieces or shares a distinct family style characterized by smooth finishes and traditional materials. These fetishes are typically carved from natural materials such as serpentine, marble, white onyx, or mother of pearl. Authentic Quam turtles frequently feature turquoise inlays, such as spirit lines or "eyes," and may carry a "power bundle" of shell or stone on their backs.
Condition:
Excellent
Tribe:
Zuni
Year Range:
1975 - 2000
Region:
Southwest
Dimensions:
0.38 in2.13 in1.63 in
Category:
Turtles
