Black Onyx Bear Carving with Sterling Silver Sunface Inlay

An absolutely magnificent silhouette-style hand-carved bear sculpture crafted from natural Black Onyx, elevated by an extraordinary sterling silver sunface inlay — a masterwork of traditional Southwest inlay artistry that makes this one-of-a-kind piece truly exceptional.

The bear is carved in a bold, rounded silhouette pose with nose raised and head forward, its massive, smooth body polished to a deep, lustrous jet-black finish that catches light beautifully from every angle. Natural white veining traces delicately across the surface in fine, organic lines — a subtle reminder of the stone's natural origin beneath the polished exterior. The form is beautifully proportioned, with a dramatically rounded hump, full haunches, and cleanly articulated legs that give the piece a powerful, grounded presence.

Set into the flank of the bear is a stunning circular sterling silver sunface inlay — a sacred symbol of life, warmth, and the divine in Pueblo and Zuni tradition. The sunface is rendered in a masterful combination of Gold Mother of Pearl, White Mother of Pearl, teal-green Chrysocolla, deep blue Sodalite, and vivid orange Spiny Oyster, each stone precisely cut and set within the sterling silver bezel in radiating segments that glow brilliantly against the deep black stone. A truly sacred and collectible piece that honors the highest traditions of Southwest fetish and inlay carving.

• Stone: Black Onyx
• Style: Silhouette carving
• Inlay: Sterling silver sunface with Gold Mother of Pearl, White Mother of Pearl, Chrysocolla, Sodalite & Orange Spiny Oyster
• Dimensions: 5¾" L × 1⅜" W × 3⅝" H
• One-of-a-kind handmade piece