Lapidary Art Turtle Appraisal

Hand-Carved Green Stone Turtle Fetish

This item is a small, hand-carved animal fetish depicting a turtle, likely measuring approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in length based on its scale in the palm of a hand. The figurine is crafted from a forest green semi-translucent stone, which appears to be nephrite jade, aventurine, or a similar regional serpentine variety. The carving is stylized and folk-art in nature, featuring a rounded head, four stubby flippers, and a short tail. Notable markings include four vertical linear incisions across the center of the carapace, intended to represent shell scutes. The stone displays a waxy to vitreous luster with a mottled color distribution, showing lighter green inclusions and darker internal veining. In terms of condition, the piece shows significant signs of age and handled wear, including multiple surface abrasions, small nicks on the flippers, and a noticeable white-toned scratch or surface fissure near the neck area. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures, which is common for artisanal folk carvings. The craftsmanship suggests a mid-to-late 20th-century origin, possibly inspired by Zuni or broader Southwestern Native American fetish traditions, though it lacks the intricate details of high-end contemporary lapidary work. The overall quality is characteristic of a souvenir or devotional object, with a smooth, tactile patina developed through use or carrying as a pocket stone.