Description
1950's Leekya Deyuse (1889-1966) Zuni carved bird fetish necklace 30" long, measurements in pics. Purchased from reputable "Brown's Trading Post" 11 years ago with reciept included.
“Old Man” Leekya Deyuse – Master Zuni Fetish Carver Leekya Deyuse (Leek-yah Day-you-see), was probably the most well known and one of the finest fetish carvers in the history of Zuni. Born in 1889, Leekya created beautiful fetish necklaces, carved animals (table fetishes) of assorted stones, turquoise figurines and fetishes set in jewelry.
Leekya worked for C.G. Wallace, a well know and influential trader at Zuni for 50 years. Leekya had 3 children, Frances, Alice and Sarah. His grandchildren and great grandchildren continue to carve today. Some of them are Delvin, Freddie, and Hayes Leekya and Juana Homer, Patrick Homer and Bernard Homer, Jr. Old Man Leekya died in 1966.
