Antler Bat By Zuni Artist Lewis Malie (3 3/4 inch)

Lewis Malie is a Zuni carver known for finely worked animal sculptures in antler and bone, including bats. In a field of several hundred working Zuni artists, bat carvings remain a notably specialized subject, and Malie is among the relatively few artists working with them. His work is valued for its clarity of line, balanced composition, and lively presence.

This 3 1/4-inch Lewis Malie bat is a compact, vertical antler carving in which the bat form emerges directly from the natural structure of the antler. The textured antler burr becomes part of the body and chest, while the upright tine creates a strong wing plane and gives the piece its tall, narrow silhouette. Rather than emphasizing complexity, the carving relies on economy of form: a clear bat profile, subtle incised wing lines, and the natural contrast between smooth carved surfaces and the granular antler texture. The result is a small but sculpturally convincing work with a distinctly traditional feel.