Onyx Mountain Lion by Melvin Sandoval

A striking white colored found onyx rock carved long neck mountain lion with a lower body created in a yellow brown raw sienna colored portion of the stone - contrasting nicely with the veins found in the white area of the stone. The tail is carved in the traditional Zuni style resting on top of the back and is carved in an area of the rock that is also raw sienna in coloration. We received this lovely in late March of 2024 from the abstract carver Melvin Sandoval - therefore there are no inlaid eyes as is his custom. Melvin has given the lion a simple offering bundle featuring one turquoise bead surrounded by one turquoise heishi bead with melon shell heishi placed on the outer edge. For the Zuni, the lion represents the guardian of the north - he is the master hunter, revered for intelligence, prowess and strength of will. The mountain lion enjoys the prestige of being one of the most capable predators, and therefore conveys to man a spirit to refine goals, preserve, and achieve. Artist: Melvin Sandoval (signed) Size: 7/8 in. wide x 3-5/8 in. long x 1-3/8 in. tall #61612