Ellen Quandelacy (1924-2002)

Known as both a fetish carver and a jeweler, Ellen Quandelacy learned to carve from her father, Johnny Quam. Her sister, Annie Gasper Quam, was a well-known jeweler. Ellen had four daughters (Albenita, Faye, Sandra and Georgiann) and six sons (Andres, Avery, Barlow, Dickie, Wilmer, and Stewart), most of whom are carvers or jewelers today.

Perhaps best known for her channel inlay work, Ellen originated the double hummingbird inlay design that is still used by her children. She made jewelry with her husband Dixie Quandelacy (1908-1979) for many years. Later turning to carving, she became known for horse fetishes carved in the old style.

Ellen and her children are credited with numerous innovations in fetish carving. Among them is the "grandmother" fetish necklace, a necklace that includes fetishes carved by multiple family members. At the urging of daughter Faye, Ellen and her sons and daughters created the first one for her granddaughter Talia, each contributing a fetish that represented their individual specialty. This form of necklace has become a popular collector's item.

Ellen Quandelacy engraved or stamped her work with E. Q.