This is an exceptional multi-strand fetish necklace attributed to legendary Zuni Pueblo artist Leekya Deyuse (1889-1966) dating to circa 1950’s. This astounding piece shows a total of 46 bear and fox fetish effigies and one large bird effigy fetish at the bottom. Leekya Deyuse (Zuni, 1889-1966), is one of the most well known and finest fetish carvers in the history of Zuni pueblo. Leekya was born in 1889 and worked for C.G. Wallace, a well known and influential trader at Zuni for 50 years. He had 3 children, Frances, Alice and Sarah as well as some of his grandchildren who carve today such as Delvin, Freddie, and Hayes Leekya, Juana Homer, Patrick Homer an Bernard Homer. Old Man Leekya died in 1966. This example shows three-strands of finely heishi shell necklaces with sterling cone clasps. For reference see the example from Hoel’s Indian Shop by Leekya Deyuse showing the bird fetish at the base with very similar bear and fox fetishes. Also see the Shiprock Santa Fe Leekya Dyuse necklace with bears and birds and the Leekya Deyuse attributed necklace sold by Hindman / Cowan’s sold in 2020 for $3,584 showing very similar to nearly identical bear fetishes. The necklace features a wonderfully and professionally crafted multistone and heishi construction that shows a variety of different animal fetishes with heishi beads in between the fetishes that includes figures of coyotes and shows gemstones of the following: turquoise, bloodstone, onyx, jadeite, moonstone, and jasper. The condition of this Zuni necklace is well preserved with no obvious signs of damage and shows a well preserved overall condition. The measurements of this necklace from clasp to clasp is 27 1/2". The collective weight of this necklace is 58.6g.