Large Azurite Hand-Carved Leaf - Leekya Deyuse Attribution!

Description

OK folks, I've had this stone for a number of years.
When purchased, it was advertised as an
"Azurite Leaf attributed to Leekya Deyuse."
I have no other provenance other than it was in the estate sale of a collector
(David Wade)
of Native American artifacts and jewelry from Russell Springs, KY.
Therefore, I am selling it as
"
in the style of Leekya Deyuse.
"
Leekya Deyuse
(Zuni; 1889-1966)
was a master stone carver of Zuni fetishes.
He also collaborated with other Zuni jewelry makers such as
Dan Simplicio.
Deyuse used very old tools
(available in the early 1900's)
to smooth his stone surfaces.  This example is NOT machine-finished.
I believe this leaf is made of Azurite
...but could very well be of another mineral.  It is not your standard "turquoise" cabochon.
It's dimensions are HUGE.
It measures 9.25 inches in length and 5.5 inches wide.
The back of the stone has been stabilized with blackish material.
Some past fool
(not me)
has fastened a bolo tie slide fastener with "super glue!"
I cannot imagine wearing this stone around my neck!
The condition is excellent!
There are a few very minor scratches on the stone's surface, but no cracks or losses are evident.
Take a close and careful look at the many pictures I have posted, they give a good portrayal of the quality and condition of this Native American work of lapidary art!
Payment is due within 48 hours of the auction's close.
Shipping by USPS Priority Mail will be .00.  A 6% KY sales tax may be
applied
to the final purchase price.
No international bidding unless pre-approved by the seller.