Zuni Fetishes
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The following fetishes are from Zuni, New Mexico. They are all individual carved from stone, shell, glass ,etc. Below is just a sampling of what we carry. If you are looking for a specific animal or artist please contact us.
Raven with berry fetish by Calvert Bowannie
Native American Zuni fetish carving of a raven or crow with a berry in its mouth, made of black marble with turquoise inlay eyes and a coral berry. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Calvert Bowannie and is signed on the bottom.Â
Bird fetishes were thought to carry prayers to the sky asking for rain and blessings. Ravens represent magic, they are the messengers of the great mystery, and they are tricksters but without the negative characteristics.
Measurements: 1 1/2" wide, 1" deep (wing to wing), and 2 1/8" tall.
Zuni maiden fetish by Claudia Peina
Zuni Maiden fetish by Zuni artist Claudia Peina, made of carved shed antler, with turquoise, coral and jet inlay. This fetish is skillfully carved, characteristic of Claudia Peina's style. A beautiful inlay design with a coral inlay necklace and traditional "tablitas" head dress.
The Corn Maiden helps to bring a healthy corn crop (abundance), which is an important source of food to the Zuni.
Measurements: 3 1/4" tall, about 7/8" deep by 7/8" wide.
Lizard fetish by Bernie Laselute, Picasso marble
Lizard fetish by Zuni artist Bernie Laselute, made of Picasso marble, with turquoise inlay eyes. Artist's name is carved on the bottom.
Lizards are quick, agile, and survivors, and a symbol of the desert.
Measurements: 2 1/4" wide, 5/8" tall, and 7/8" deep
Black marble elephant by Calvert Bowannie
Elephant fetish by Calvert Bowannie, made of black marble, with inlay turquoise eyes. Signed on the bottom. Carving of elephant might vary slightly from the photo.
Elephants are not used in Zuni religious ceremonies, but they are one of the animals from around the world that Zuni fetish carvers make, to showcase their creativity, ingenuity, and skill. Elephants are said to have good memories.
Measurements: It is 1 1/4" tall, 2 1/4" deep, and 3/4" wide.
Horned toad fetish by Bernie Laselute
Horned toad Zuni fetish, made by Bernie Laselute, made of Picasso marble with inlay turquoise eyes. Native American made. It has great detail, especially in the face, and it is signed "B Laselute" on the bottom.
Horned toads represent self-reliance and longevity. They protect ancestral bounty and they are the protectors from lightning. Referred to as Grandfather.
Measurements:Â It is 1/2" tall, 1 5/8" wide, and 7/8" deep.
Javelina fetish, Picasso marble, by Bernie Laselute
Javelina fetishes by Bernie Laselute, made of Picasso marble with inlay turquoise eyes. This is his representation of the southwestern Javelina. Love this stance on this little javelina.
Colors vary from photos.
Javelinas are not used in Zuni religious ceremonies, but they are one of the animals from around the world that Zuni fetish carvers make, to showcase their creativity, ingenuity, and skill.
Measurements: It measures 2 wide, 5/8" deep, and 1" tall.
Baby bear fetish made from Mexican Onyx by Rosella Lunasee and Loubert Soseeah
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Baby bear Zuni fetish, hand-carved by Zuni artists Rosella Lunasee and Loubert Soseeah. Native American Zuni fetish carving of a baby bear, made of Mexican Onyx, with turquoise inlay eyes. Signed by both artists on the bottom.
The bear is one of the most popular fetishes, it symbolizes strength, power, courage, adaptability, and health. Protector from the west.
Measurements: 5/8" deep, 1" tall, and 1 1/2" wide.
Swan fetish by Evalena Boone - alabaster
Zuni fetish carving of a swan, handmade by Native American artist Evalena Boone.  It is made of alabaster with inlay turquoise eyes. The detail in the feathers is beautiful. This fetish is unsigned, but we buy directly from the artist so we always know who makes each piece.
Swans are not used in Zuni religious ceremonies, but they are one of the animals from around the world that Zuni fetish carvers make, to showcase their creativity, ingenuity, and skill.
Measurements: 1 1/4" tall, 1 3/4" wide, and 1/2" deep.
Ladybug fetish by Georgette Quam, black and red marble
Zuni ladybug fetish, made of red and black marble, with inlay turquoise eyes and black inlay dots. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Georgette Quam.Â
Ladybugs are a token of good luck, and while they are not used in traditional Zuni religious ceremonies, Zuni carvers make ladybugs to showcase their ingenuity and skill.
Measurements: It is 1" wide by 7/8" deep, and about 1/4" tall.
Pig fetish by Enrike Leekya, Picasso marble
Zuni pig fetish, by artist Enrike Leekya, made of Picasso marble with turquoise snout and hooves, and inlay turquoise eyes. Artist's signature is on the bottom.
Fetishes of domesticated animals like goats are used to protect their herds and flocks from disease, injury, and death, or to help increase the numbers of their animals.
Measurements: Â It is 1 3/4" tall, 2 5/8" wide, and 1 1/4" deep.
Mouse fetish by Michael Coble
Zuni Mouse fetish by Michael Coble, made of Picasso marble, with inlay turquoise eyes. Very cute fetish, and a very unusual animal to see in a Zuni fetish.
Mouse are not used in Zuni religious ceremonies, but they are one of the animals that Zuni fetish carvers make, to showcase their creativity, ingenuity, and skill.
Measurements: 2 1" tall, and 3" wide and about 1" deep at the widest part.
Lizard fetish by Brian Yatsattie, serpentine
Vintage Zuni lizard fetish, made by Brian Yatsattie, made of light beige serpentine with inlay turquoise eyes. Native American made. The bottom is signed with the artist's name, "Zuni" and "1996." This piece was purchased from a Tucson collector who collected in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.
Lizards are quick, agile, and survivors, and a symbol of the desert.
Measurements: It is 3/4" tall, 4 1/4" long, and 1" wide.
Fetishes
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