Xavier “Bear” Romero (American, b. 1958), Large Carved Stone Buffalo

1998, in the form of a Zuni fetish, hand-carved stone with inlaid eyes, with a medicine bundle comprised of an arrowhead, feathers, shells, and turquoise beads, signed and dated with an incised bear claw motif to right hind leg.
13 x 23 x 8.5 in.
Xavier “Bear” Romero is a primarily self-taught sculptor who works with various alabaster stones embellished with shells, feathers, and/or beads. Whimsical bear sculptures have become his specialty, and his horse and buffalo figures are well sought-after by collectors.
Born in 1958 in Las Vegas, New Mexico, Bear was brought up within foster care in Denver, Colorado left him with many questions about his ancestry. After being told at a young age that his mother was of Indian descent, Bear found himself identifying with Native American culture. During a dark time in his life, Bear was invited to a traditional ceremony in South Dakota’s Rosebud Reservation by a friend - an experience that changed his life and inspired hope. There, the people taught Bear that there are no orphans in the Indian Way. He was their brother, their grandson, their uncle.

Many years later, after being adopted by the Sioux Nation, Bear learned that his mother was in fact Italian. Yet, he still remembers what the Sioux taught him, and he will always identify himself with Indian culture as a Sun Dancer. Bear uses the money he makes selling art to feed and house his Indian brothers and sisters. He currently lives in the Verde Valley of Arizona.
From the Collection of Mr. & Mrs. Burton S. Carnegie, Apex, North Carolina
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

One antler retained but no longer attached, a glue repair to other antler; otherwise good estate condition with some light overall surface wear.