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" wide, 1 1/8" deep (wing to wing), and 1 1/2" 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.
Marble elephant by Calvert Bowannie
Elephant fetish by Calvert Bowannie, made of grey and white marble, with inlay turquoise eyes. Signed on the bottom. Color 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: 1" tall, 1 5/8" wide, and 5/8" deep.
Mountain Lion fetish by Wilfred Cheama
Zuni mountain lion fetish, hand-carved and signed by Zuni artist Wilfred Cheama. It is made of picasso marble with inlay turquoise eyes. This fetish is unsigned, but we buy directly from the artist so we always know who made each piece. The mountain lion is crouched and his tail is curled as if ready to pounce, with all the detail in the fur and the pose, you feel it will move right in front of you. The pose demonstrates the carver's skill.
Mountain lions represent resourcefulness, they are power symbols, aiding hunters in big game. They are said to protect travelers.
Measurements: 7/8" tall, 1 7/8" wide and 7/8" deep.
White bird fetish by Evalena Boone - alabaster
Zuni fetish carving of a white bird, 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.
Bird fetishes were thought to carry prayers to the sky asking for rain and blessings.
Measurements: 1" tall, 2 1/4" wide, and 1/2" deep.
Skunk fetish by Calvert Bowannie, black marble and mother of pearl
Skunk fetish by Zuni artist Calvert Bowannie, made of black marble, with inlay mother of pearl for the white markings, and inlay turquoise eyes. Signed on the bottom.
Skunk carvings are not used in Zuni religious traditions, but the artists like to carve all different animals as a challenge, and as an example of the carvers' ingenuity, skill, and adaptability.
Measurements: 2" wide, 7/8" tall, and 5/8" deep.
Big mouth bass fetish by Bernie Laselute, Picasso marble
Zuni fetish carving of a big mouth bass, hand carved from Picasso marble, with inlay turquoise eyes. Native American Made. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Bernie Laselute, and it is signed on the bottom. Great movement to the fish, and a funny piece of fisherman humor. Colors may vary slightly from photo.
Big mouth bass are not a traditional Zuni fetish, but fish in general are an important symbol to the Zuni for their association with water, which is essential for all life on earth.
Measurements:Â 1 1/2" wide, 7/8" tall, and 3/4" deep.
Magpie with berry fetish by Calvert Bowannie, black marble and coral
Zuni fetish carving of a magpie with a berry in its mouth, made of black marble and coral, with turquoise inlay eyes and a coral berry. Native American Made. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Calvert Bowannie.Â
Bird fetishes were thought to carry prayers to the sky asking for rain and blessings.
Measurements:Â 4 1/4" wide, 1" tall, and 1" 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: 1" wide by 7/8" deep, and 1/4" tall.
Spider fetish by Michael Coble, marble
Native American Zuni fetish carving of a spider, made of green marble with turquoise inlay eyes. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Michael Coble, and it is signed on the bottom.
Spider fetishes are not traditionally used in Zuni religious ceremonies, but they are an example of the Zuni carvers' creativity and skill.
Measurements: 1/2" tall, 1 1/2" wide by 1 1/4" deep.
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.
Jackalope fetish by Bernie Laselute, Picasso marble
Jackalope Zuni fetish by Bernie Laselute, made of Picasso marble with natural turquoise eyes. Has a lot of detail, a very cute carving. Signed on the bottom. Markings and colors on the stone may vary slightly from photo.
Jackalopes are mythical creatures that are jackrabbit/antelope hybrids, and they are examples of non-traditional animals that Zuni fetish carvers make, to showcase their creativity, ingenuity, and skill.
Measurements: 7/8" tall, 1 7/84" wide and 3/4" deep.
Fetishes
