Leo Poblano

Leo Poblano (1905-1959) is considered to be one of the most accomplished Zuni inlay artists of his time. His first wife, Daisy Nampeyo, had studied in Paris and taught Leo many of the lapidary relief techniques that make his work so intricate. Leo's tragic death from a firefighting accident in 1959 left his work undone. His second wife Ida Vacit was able to finish the pieces he had left behind as she was also an accomplished inlay artist. Leo Poblano was among the first of the Zuni inlay artists to use his technique as decorative elements in his carvings. Furthermore, he was one of the first Zuni artists to use inlay and mosaic techniques as artwork. It is this innovation, his impeccable technique and his attention to detail that make his work renowned to this day. He is succeeded by his daughter Veronica who is an impeccable contemporary inlay artist.