Sheila Antonio, a Navajo bead artist, made this with a technique she invented of using metal parts recycled from machines to form the skeletons for the figures she created. This figure is a depiction of Navajo culture, and the details of her work are amazing. Navajo weavers are famous for their Navajo rugs. A hand woven rug can take a long time to weave, and then it must be shown to a potential customer for purchase. The weaver showing her rug is accompanied by her young children. The daughter holds her mother’s purse. The little son sits on the ground. The mother wears traditional Navajo clothing, complete with jewelry. The scene is set on a round base and it is two and a half inches tall (6 cm.).
Sheila Antonio is unique, the only one to do this type of work. She has not been seen in quite a while, so there is some uncertainty about whether she is still alive. A collector is selling her collection of beaded scenes, which were made in the 1990’s, so this is a rare and unique opportunity to purchase them.
This figurine will be sold individually, but there may also be a price for the entire collection. Please contact the shop if you are interested in the whole collection.