22-1583 Zuni 6 piece Nativity Scene by master carver Troy Sice
Early 21st century.
Baby Jesus measures approx 3/4" h on a slant x 2 1/2" x 2 1/4"
Three Wise men with silver head bands, 4 1/4", 4", 3 7/8"
Praying woman with hair up (Mary) 2 3/4" h
Sitting many (Joseph) 2 3/4"
Each Signed "Troy Sice Zuni"
A very rare set.
With Turquoise, Coral, Lapis, Jet and Mother of Pearl insets.
From a Private Colorado Collection
Excellent Condition. Singed "Troy Sice Zuni NM 3-17-04 3:00 PM"
Fetish carver Troy Sice reaches back to a prehistoric Zuni Pueblo tradition in the use of antler and different stone mediums for creating animal and human forms. He is a third-generation carver, the grandson of George H. CheeChee, nephew of Ramie and Miguel Haloo and half-brother of Colvin Peina.
His grandfather is known for his bird fetish necklaces and bird-in-flight pendants since the 1930's. His uncles, Ramie and Miguel Haloo, influenced by their father, started a new trend in the 70's with their whimsical standing bears carved of deer antler. Soon their nephew, Colvin Peina, also followed their footsteps. Colvin introduced his own style of corn maidens and encouraged his younger half-brother, Troy Sice to do the same.
Troy's works include sitting and standing bears, frogs, badgers, and corn maidens. Recently he has added unique singing and dancing bears, in addition to his own take on the famous nativity story. His version includes six inlaid carved figures: Mary, Joseph, the three wise men, and baby Jesus. Sometimes the sets can also include angels, camels, donkeys, cows, sheep, and coyotes. Troy also carves the traditional water serpent Kolowisi, as well as Knifewing, eagle dancer, buffalo dancer, and the Hopi warrior woman.
Troy's art was been in numerous publications such as 505 Magazine, The Collector's Guide of New Mexico, Native Peoples Magazine, and Accent Magazine.