Emery Boone Zuni Fetish Carvings

Materials used by Emery Boone are either jet or pipestone. His images vary, including buffaloes, horses (or ponies), bears, frogs, coyotes, wolves, turtles and mountain lions – basically the traditionally-carved images. What distinguishes Emery’s work is his inlay.  It is stunning. He often inlays both sides, even on small pieces. Learn more…

Emery’s best-known image is his depiction of the ‘Chaco Frog”, a fetish first found (in 1896 or slightly thereafter) during early excavations at Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon. The fetish dates back to about 1000 AD. He was presented with the idea of replicating this iconic image by trader Greg Hofmann, in the hopes of informing collectors of the deep origins of fetish carving.  Emery currently carves two variations in several sizes. Emery’s mother Socorro is the younger sister of deceased, well-known carver, Emerson Quam.  Young Emery Boone, born in 1965, learned mostly by watching at the feet of his mother and Emerson and his large family.  As such, he is first cousin to Emerson and Rosalia eight children (all of whom carved) and indirectly related to Rosalia’s carving nieces and nephews – Colvin and Claudia Peina and Troy and Gabe Sice.  Carving has been all around him as he grew up and even now. Emery’s son, Kelly has just begun to carve and is making interesting ravens and eagles, under the aegis of his dad.  Emery currently lives with his elderly uncle, Juan Quam, on the family compound north of the main plaza.   Back to top…