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Early 2000s Leroy Whiteman Custom Oak Wood Box

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Early 2000s Leroy Whiteman Custom Oak Wood Box
Featured in this lot is this hand carved, custom made wood box done by Northern Cheyenne artist Leroy Whiteman circa early to mid 2000s in Montana. Leroy was born Ma'eve'eseo (Red Bird) in the Cheyenne language on February 24th, 1938. Red Bird, who was raised by his grandmother Alice Kinzel, whom he considered his mother, was born on February 24, 1938, in Lame Deer, Montana, to Emma Kinzel and Aaron Whiteman. Red Bird was later adopted by Buster Whiteman. Since he was a young child, Red Bird, a self-taught artist, has "dabbled" in a variety of media while also making his own rodeo arena toys out of sticks and twigs. Horn carving, sculpture in marble, sandstone, wood, and other rocks, as well as original paintings in pen, pencil, acrylic, and oil, ledger art, and petroglyphs, are among his many talents. After serving in the Air Force, Leroy (Red Bird) settled in Oakland, CA (due to the Federal American Indian Relocation Program) and earned his living as a mechanic. Red Bird passed away on February 23rd, 2020. The box shows a fine oak wood construction and brass colored metal fittings around the corners and top of the box. The inside shows a removable tray and and a piece of wood that slides out of the side of the box to reveal another compartment. The front shows a simple locking mechanism which can hold a small lock if needed. The box shows fine construction and craftsmanship with slight wear present but no obvious signs of damage are present. The box measures 5 9/16" L x 14" W x 4" H and weighs approximately 3 pounds and 6 ounces.