Large Bear

Artist Tony Da (North American Indian, San Ildefonso, 1940 - 2008)

Datelate 1970s

MediumClay, pigment, and turquoise

DimensionsOverall: 5 1/2 × 8 3/4 × 4 inches (13.97 × 22.23 × 10.16 cm)

Credit LineGift of Fred L. and Virginia U. Merrill in honor of the 75th anniversary of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Object number2025.91.3

SignedSigned with incised initials on lower back leg

On View

Not on view

Terms

DescriptionFigure of a bear inset with four stones (two on the back and two for the eyes) and has an incised Pueblo feather pattern extending from the mouth towards the back of each side. In each feather is a deer track and a turquoise stone. Around the edge of the feet, in buff, are kiva step designs and then rain and thundercloud patterns.Provenance

Provenance

The artist, late 1970s;

Purchased from King Galleries, Scottsdale, AZ by Fred and Virginia Merrill, 2002;

Their promised gift to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kanas City, MO, 2010;

Promised gift conversion, 2025.

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