Robert Kaniatobe Hummingbird Fetish Necklace [SOLD]

Robert Kaniatobe of the Choctaw Tribe was well known for making marvelous necklaces composed of a multitude of materials. Each of the three strands of the necklace is slightly longer than the adjoining one, designed so that each strand displays when worn. This necklace is a true work of art, whether classed as fine art or folk art. Kaniatobe excelled in finding and assembling materials that would be complementary in color and shape. This necklace could be worn as jewelry or displayed as a work of art. It qualifies as both. When Kaniatobe was alive, he was represented by the Case Trading Post of the Wheelwright Museum of Santa Fe.

In Kaniatobe's own words describing the Rainbow Web Fetish Necklace - The Birds & the Beads necklace: "The hummingbird fetishes are hand carved by Robert Kaniatobe using 5,000-to 8,000-year-old fossil walrus ivory. The necklace is designed by Kristen Kaniatobe using mostly antique glass Venetian & Czechoslovakian trade beads, including ‘eye' beads-1700s to 1800s; ‘early' molded glass; also clay, black coral, bone, shell, brass, copper & sterling silver. The rings are used to symbolize continuity in the universe."

Robert Kaniatobe (1936-1998) was born in Tom, Oklahoma, and attended Idabel Public Schools during his early years. He graduated from Chilocco Indian School, served in the U. S. Army in the Medical Corps, and was stationed in Alaska and France. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from San Francisco State University. Robert said that a major stimulus for his art interest was his exposure to prehistoric and contemporary Eskimo art while stationed in Alaska. He was also inspired by many museums and prehistoric cave art in France and Western Europe.

Robert specialized in designing and carving fetish figures, designing silver art works, and sculpting in clay. In the 1980s, he began putting his hand-carved fetishes together with various beads and forming exquisite necklaces, such as this one.

AL Anthony's Commentary: Robert and his wife, Kristen, shared the building with Adobe Gallery for several years, perhaps from around 1980 to 1995. They had the three rooms on the south end of the building and called their gallery The Iron Horse. Perhaps some of you remember them.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: this Robert Kaniatobe Hummingbird Fetish Necklace is from the estate of a Santa Fe resident

Recommended Reading: The Four Winds Guide to Indian Trade Goods and Replicas by Preston E. Miller

TAGS: Choctaw Tribe, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Robert Kaniatobe