Shawn Deel – Yotse’e or Apache Katsina – Innovative, Beautiful Detailing

Shawn Deel is known for his Apache or Yotse’e katsinam because he adds details that no one else has attempted. For example, the conchos on the helmut, vest and leggings are cut/punched and domed from 26-gauge silver sheet, which Shawn then blackens and polishes. The metal on the Apache’s rifle is tufa cast. The wooden stock has imbedded miniature brass balls. Shawn told me these details are derived “from how Natives used decorate their firearms.” Note the leather strap on the rifle as well. The katsina is 15″ tall to the top of the feathers. Note the beautiful hand-painted leather shield with bird-motif decorated with many feathers. The vest, armbands and leggings are all hand-made leather, as are the flaps on the helmet. A superb piece of work. Signed “S Deel” on the base of the right foot.