Carved Black Lip Shell Necklace with Silver Beads [SOLD]

Leekya Deyuse and Teddy Weahkee were described by John Adair in his book Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths as Zuni’s “most expert turquoise-workers.” Both Leekya and Weahkee participated in the archaeological dig at Hawikuh (1917-1923) where they discovered and had the opportunity to study the carvings of their pre-contact ancestors. Leekya’s carvings show the influence of the creations of the ancient ones. He worked closely with trader C.G. Wallace and became one the best known of Zuni fetish carvers. His work is highly collectible.

In 2017, the Albuquerque Museum had an exhibit honoring Leekya and his family.  The exhibition The Leekya Family: Master Carvers of Zuni Pueblo included 300 works by Leekya Deyuse and his descendants and his contemporaries.  This was the first comprehensive exhibition of work by the carver known simply as Leeyka.

One motif Leekya was well known for carving was leaves. The leaves in this necklace were carved from what is known as “Black Lip.” Black Lip is the inner part of the shell of Black Lip Oysters. These mollusks are commonly found in the South Pacific. They are the oysters from which pearls are harvested. The black nacre, also known as mother of pearl, is part of the inner shell of the mollusk, it also makes up the coating of the pearl. The mineral structure of Black Lip is highly resistant to pressure—it will neither shrink nor change its shape easily. Its relative softness and stability enable artisans to create intricate carvings such as the leaves in this necklace.

Leekya Deyuse made this masterpiece by carving five leaves and placing them in uniquely fabricated sterling silver settings. The five leaves are attached to a string of handmade stamped silver beads. The Black Lip shimmers in the light, giving off a pearly glow. It is a one-of-a- kind collectible piece. Leekya’s grandson, Freddie Leekya, authenticated that this was indeed made by his grandfather.  

Condition: The Carved Black Lip Shell Necklace with Silver Beads by Leekya Deyuse is in very good condition.

Provenance: The necklace comes from a collection in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Recommended Reading: Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths by John Adair