Zuni Carved Horned Fantasy Figure With Wings and Tail

This beautifully carved horned fantasy or mythological figure was made by prominent Zuni fetish carver, Derrick Kaamasee. Manticore perhaps? It has a Human face with large horns, wings and long tail. His “hands” are oversized and his stance is as though he is stalking his prey or waiting…for something.

Derrick Kaamasee is a fine carver who excels at bringing out the details of his subject. For example, in this piece, he employs different textures to represent the horns, wings and tail of the carving. This really is a unique piece! He learned from his uncles who were and are excellent carvers, Pernell and Max Laate. Max left us in 2008.