We've been blessed to know Zuni artist Herbert Halate for many decades. A wonderful body of work includes smooth animal carvings, gorgeous jewelry like pendants, earrings and fabulous necklaces. He started carving under the instruction of his father over 53 years ago in 1972. On a recent visit to our Keshi gallery, we asked him what was his very first carving and he said "It was a simple serpentine Bear. I learned by watching my Dad, Leonard Halate after school and I asked if I could try it. He set me up and showed me the 1st step, 2nd step, and 3rd step." Herbert said that his preferred material to carve in is jet but he can’t find it anymore. He utilizes whatever is available like lovely white marble, Picasso marble or red cedar from Zuni land.

His latest offering is a smooth white marble Mountain-lion (cougar, puma or panther) with alert eyes from sky blue turquoise inlays and sweetly-etched whiskers. It measures about 3 3/4" long, 5/8" wide and 1 1/4" tall. When asked what Herbert would like people to know about his carvings, he said "When I’m working I think about them going to a home where they can be protected, loved, and cared for."