Zuni Rock (travertine), Azurite And Malachite Turtle With Hatchling by Gayla Eriacho

A fantastic gray and muted ocher colored turtle with its hatchling on its back - both have big round pen shell inlaid eyes. This duo is carved by Gayla Eriacho - the sister of Orin Eriacho. There is a striking cream vein on the face that wraps around to the turtle's left side creating a natural heart line. Gayla has carved the hatchling from the same stone then inlaid a Zuni quarried azurite/malachite 'shell' on top. Bits of azurite and malachite have also been inlaid to the grayish cream vein on the turtle's left side. Both turtles have feet carved in low relief. An animal carved with its offspring suggests in stone the bond that exists between the parent and child - no matter the species. This is a signature carving for the artist though it has been a while since we listed one and note that the turtle is also signed. Indigenous people recognize the turtle as the symbol of Mother Earth - some Native Americans believe that the turtle contributed to creation because the turtle dove into the primeval waters to retrieve mud to create Mother Earth. The turtle is regarded as a skillful navigator through life's difficulties. Turtle medicine teaches one to go with the flow. Artist: Gayla Eriacho (signed) Size: 2 in. wide x 2-5/8 in. long x 2-1/8 in. tall #63090