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Derrick Kaamasee has made a name for himself
in fetish carving by creating highly detailed and imaginative
depictions of a wide variety of subjects. Originally carved
as a part of the Zuni religion, fetishes are small carvings
that are still used ceremonially by many Zuni people today.
As with many forms of religious art, interest in fetish
carvings spurred the development of this secular art form
which has evolved into a distinctive tradition. |
Derrick started carving fetishes as a teenager,
working with his uncle. "My first fetish, carved out of green
snail shell, was a fish jumping out of the water," says
Derrick. "It took a while before I became used to the
materials and they began to speak to me." Derrick continues
to let the materials speak to him, allowing the shape of
the bone, shell or stone determine the carving. He works
in fossil walrus ivory, flourite, ricolite and serpentine,
but amber, picasso marble, pipestone and antler are his favorite
mediums.
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"I've always liked trying something
different," says Derrick. He has gone beyond the
relatively small group of animals carved for ceremonial
uses to produce an unusual array of animals and mythical
figures. On his worktable, a seahorse, octopus, housecat
or chimpanzee might sit next to hummingbirds, badgers,
eagles, owls and bats.
His
figures are also diverse, standing from 1 1/2" to
12" high. He draws from his culture to create
traditional Native dancers -- eagle dancers, buffalo
dancers and rain dancers. He also draws on his imagination
and love of books to create mythical creatures and
figures -- Merlin the Sorcerer, dragons and gargoyles. |
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Today, Derrick works out
of his home studio in Zuni. Working with a dremel --
a high-speed rotary
tool with a diamond bit -- somewhat like a dentist’s
drill, Derrick captivates visitors as he coaxes the forms
of owls, bobcats, and eagles out of pieces of deer antler,
stone or shell. He looks at the untouched material for
a few minutes, turning it over in his hands and in his
head, developing a mental image of the finished piece.
Then, with not so much as a pencil mark, he starts grinding
away material to form the rough shape of the animal.
When the shape of the animal is complete, he lightens
his “touch” with the tool, and subtle details
such as feathers or the texture of fur begin to emerge.
The final step is to inlay the eyes of the figure with
small pieces of turquoise. |
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| "Each carving is unique. I may carve
the same figure again, but it is always different.
I can't make the same thing again, even if I try," says
Derrick. He likes to capture the moment with his figures,
happy when the animal looks ready to jump or run. "I hope that people get a good feeling when
they see my carvings," says Derrick. "Each
one has its own energy. It's often hard for me to
let them go. I just hope that people who buy them
will cherish them."
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The Indian Craft Shop represents artists from over 40
tribal areas within the United States. Located in the Department
of the Interior federal building at 18th and C Streets, the
Shop is open Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed federal holidays. Open the third Saturday of each month
from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Photo ID required for entrance.
For more information, call 202-208-4056.
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