@TAH originally brought this artist to his thread, but I’m a big fan of Allen Bahe. His depictions of the Yeii never cease to amaze. That he adorns them with early, historic silver is a wonderful touch.
Navajo Yeibichai
6 Likes
A few weeks ago, @nanc9354 was kind enough to send me the book, Ray Manley’s Collecting Southwestern Indian Arts & Crafts, copyright 1979. Thank you, Nancy!
In the book, there is a photograph of a room with a painting hanging above a sofa. There is no credit given to the artist, but to me, it looked like Ray Swanson’s work. I searched the internet, but came up empty. Then I found the third photo, which is one of Ray’s paintings and it depicts the same Navajo gentleman with the same clothing and walking cane.
The Old One with Cane, 1975
7 Likes
Awesome detective work @TAH!
1 Like
Duwayne Chee Jr., Navajo, Navajo Storyteller Yei-be-chai, Hand carved from cedar and hand painted, depicting the Storyteller Yei-be-chai ascending from a hogan. Inlaid quartz, turquoise bead necklace, and sterling silver/inlaid turquoise cuff.
I really enjoy the fluidity of this. The Yei appearing from the smoke of the hogan is so beautifully done, as is his turquoise adornment.
4 Likes
This piece is amazing! Thank you for sharing it with us.
2 Likes
Garland’s has it for sale, along with this beauty, crafted by Duwayne’s father.
DuWayne Chee, Navajo, Ye-be-chai of the West (The House of Peace)
3 Likes
You’re welcome @TAH . I’m so glad the book is appreciated. Great investigative work. I wonder how many times he used the old man in his works.
The furniture sure dates the picture in the magazine. Love that huge rug!!
Also love the picture by Abeita…Finishing Touches. The turquoise rings really stand out.
2 Likes
@TAH this bronze looked familiar, and after a quick search I realized that my aunt has “Branded - He’s Mine.” It was purchased by her mother-in-law, Linda Davis, and Mrs. Davis had the artist replace the heart on the branding around with the CS brand. It’s really pretty.
I’ll ask my aunt for a photo of her’s, but I’m including a screenshot from the artist’s website.
4 Likes
That’s pretty cool, Blythe. So, what is the significance of “CS”?
The artist, Deborah Copenhaver Fellows, is the wife of Fred Fellows, a award-winning artist himself and emeritus member of the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America.
Here is a photo of Fred and Deborah followed by one of my favorite sculptures by Fred.
No Easy Way Out, 1991. One of these sculptures is in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. It is absolutely magnificent in person measuring 42.875 x 27 x 15 inches.
4 Likes
@TAH The CS is a 5th generation family-owned cattle ranch in northern New Mexico. It was once the largest family-owned ranch in NM. The matriarch, Linda Davis, (passed in 2024), was an avid supporter and collector of western art. I’ll share the photo of the modified bronze when my aunt sends it along.
On another note, this is my brother and I in front of the statue by Ms. Fellows at Southpoint Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas in October ‘24, when our grandparent’s ranch received a posthumous award.
8 Likes
Replacing the heart with the “CS” brand was a great idea! Looking forward to seeing your aunt’s special edition.
That casino sculpture is amazing. Thanks for posting the photo. I enjoyed seeing it.
3 Likes
4 Likes
Thank you for sharing! The casino sculpture is jaw dropping, I bet it was incredible in person. What a marvelous job Mrs. Fellows did with personalizing your aunt’s sculpture, it will make an awesome family heirloom! She looks to have a lovely home as well. 
3 Likes
Thank you, Blythe! What a special piece and perfect location for a cowgirl holding a branding iron on the fireplace hearth. 
5 Likes