Antler Mountain Lion by Raymond Tsalate

A cream and gray antler mountain lion carved by Ray Tsalate looking up at the viewer with turquoise inlaid eyes. The lion has a pen shell inlaid snout and a lovely gold-lip feather has been placed on top of the lion's head with a sterling silver pen. This is our first lion carved by Ray standing upright on its hind legs in an anthropomorphic style - the tail carved from another antler point acts as a great counter balance. The bear wears a lovely necklace composed of 3 turquoise, 4 lapis, 7 coral, 2 pink mussel shell, 1 variscite, 3 green serpentine, and 2 pen shell hand made dots of various sizes - Ray is the master dot maker! We love how the front paws are placed - the gesture along with the lion's expression seems to suggest the lion is aiming to please! For the Zuni, the lion - who is considered the guardian of the north - is the master hunter, revered for his intelligence, prowess and strength of will. Artist: Raymond Tsalate (signed) Size: Including Tail" 3-1/8 in. long x 1-1/4 in. wide x 3 in. tall #60644