Antler Bat Group By Zuni Artist Lewis Malie

This 5 1/4-inch antler carving by Lewis Malie has a strong vertical, openwork composition, with six bats flying wingtip to wingtip along the natural contours of the antler. The pierced upper opening, narrow tower-like form, and alternating high and low relief give it the presence of a small sculpture rather than a simple single-animal carving. It is especially effective from multiple angles, with the bats emerging gradually as the piece is turned.  Among Malie's bat carvings, grouped antler compositions like this stand out for their sculptural complexity and strong visual presence. Encised signature on base.

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.