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 7/8" wide, 1" deep (wing to wing), and 1 3/8" 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
Mountain Lion fetish by Wilfred Cheama
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Zuni mountain lion fetish, hand-carved and signed by Zuni artist Wilfred Cheama. It is made of picasso marble with inlay turquoise eyes. Signed on the bottom. 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: 1 1/8" tall, 3 1/4" wide and 1" 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.
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.
Tiny eagle fetish by Elfina Hustito, carved shed antler
Eagle Zuni fetish, made of shed antler, with inlay turquoise eyes. It is very delicate and detailed carving. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Elfina Hustito. Colors may vary slightly.
Eagles are the messengers to the Creator, and they symbolize power, balance, dignity, grace, they are hunters and protectors from the sky.
Measurements: 2 3/4" tall, 1 1/4" wide and 1" deep
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.
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.
Penguin fetish by Calvert Bowannie, black marble and mother of pearl
Zuni fetish carving of a penguin, handmade by Native American artist Calvert Bowannie. It is made of black marble, with mother of pearl inlay on the penguin's chest, and inlay turquoise eyes. Signed on the bottom by the artist.
Penguins 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 5/8" tall, 1 14" wide, and 1 1/8" deep.
Wolf fetish by Emery Boone, jet and silver
Zuni wolf fetish with inlay silver, made by Emery Boone. Native American Made. Made of jet, with inlay silver eyes and heart line. Â
The wolf is the teacher, family-oriented, the pathfinder, invokes a strong family bond, hunters, and the symbol for the East.
Measurements:Â 1 1/4" tall, 3 1/4" wide, and 3/4" deep.
Bear fetish by Jayne Quam
Zuni Bear fetish, by Zuni artist Jayne Quam. Native American Made. Made of serpentine, with inlay turquoise, shells, spiny oyster shell, jasper, abalone, and various stones. Jayne Quam is well known for the inlay in her fetishes, and using the shape of shells in the inlay, as she does here (the spiral on the bear's back is the cross section of shell). Signed on the bottom.
The bear is one of the most popular fetishes. It is a protective fetish and symbolizes healing, strength, power, courage, and adaptability.
Measurements: 2" wide x 1" high x 5/8" deep
Fetishes
