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.
Smokey the Bear by Carlton Etsate
Native American Zuni fetish carving of Smokey the Bear, made of mixed stones, with silver for the shovel. It is 1 3/4" tall, about 3/4" wide. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Carlton Etsate and is signed on the bottom.Â
To honor the symbol of Smokey the Bear and to help prevent forest fires.
Many Zuni Indians volunteer to help put out forest fires.
Red marble bighorn sheep by Andres Quandelacy
Native American Zuni fetish carving of a bighorn sheep, made of a red marble with coral inlay eyes and heart line design. It is 2 1/4" wide, 1 3/8" tall, and 1/2" deep at the widest part (horns). This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Andres Quandelacy. Each fetish is handmade, and the color of the turquoise may vary slightly from the picture.Â
Bighorn sheep are a game animal to the Zuni, and these fetishes are carved to help in hunting these animals for food and clothing.
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. It is 1 3/4" long, 1" wide (wing to wing), and 1 1/8" tall. 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.
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. It measures 1 1/5" wide , 1 1/4" deep, and 3" tall. Signed on the bottom. This fetish is beautifully carved, characteristic of Claudia Peina's style. A beautiful inlay design with a turquoise inlay necklace and beautiful head dress.
The Corn Maiden helps to bring a healthy corn crop (abundance), which is an important source of food to the Zuni.
Lizard fetish by Bernie Laselute, Picasso marble
Lizard fetish by Zuni artist Bernie Laselute, made of Picasso marble, with turquoise inlay eyes. Measures 2 1/4" wide, 5/8" tall, and 7/8" deep. Artist's name is carved on the bottom.
Lizards are quick, agile, and survivors, and a symbol of the desert.
Dragonfly fetish by Ruben Najera
Dragonfly fetish by Ruben Najera, made of shed antler. It is 31/4" tall, 2 3/4" wide, and about 1 1/4" deep. The artist's signature is on the bottom, as well as "2018" and "Zuni." The dragonfly is shown in flight, and its curved pose was inspired by the natural shape of the antler.Â
Dragonfly fetishes are not traditionally used in Zuni religious ceremonies, but they are made to showcase the artist's skill and creativity.
Black marble elephant by Calvert Bowannie
Elephant fetish by Calvert Bowannie, made of black marble, with inlay turquoise eyes. It is 1 1/4" tall, 2 1/2" long, and 3/4" wide. 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.
Dachshund dog fetish by Enrike Leekya
Dog Zuni fetish, made of gray and light gray Picasso marble, with inlay turquoise eyes and nose. Native American Made. It is 1 1/2" tall, 1" deep, and about 4 1/4" wide. Handmade by artist Enrike Leekya, and signed on the bottom. Very cute dachshund/wiener dog, great gift for a pet owner. Each fetish is handmade, and stone colors may vary from the photos.
Domestic dogs represent loyalty, friendship, and protection.
Bobcat fetish by Wilfred Cheama
Zuni bobcat or wildcat fetish, hand-carved and signed by Zuni artist Wilfred Cheama. It is made of light green serpentine, with inlay turquoise eyes. Signed on the bottom. It measures 2 1/4" tall, 1 3/4" wide and 1 1/8" deep. The bobcat's pose is a hunting pose, with its back end perched higher up on the rock, which is a very difficult pose to carve, with all the small spaces between the bobcat and the rock, and between its legs, so the pose demonstrates the carver's skill.
Bobcats are some of the rarest fetishes made, and they are the hunting animals of the south. Hunting animals are traditionally used by the Zuni to ensure a good hunt to feed the tribe.
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 is 5/8" tall, 1 5/8" wide, and 1" deep. 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.
Rabbits going into log fetish by Arvella Cheama
Zuni fetish carving of two rabbits going into a hollow log, made of Picasso marble. Native American Made. It is 3" long, 7/8" tall and 1 1/4" wide. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Arvella Cheama, and is signed on the bottom.Â
Rabbits are a symbol of fertility, abundance, and are known for facing fear.
Javelina fetish, Picasso marble, by Bernie Laselute
Javelina fetishes by Bernie Laselute, made of Picasso marble with inlay turquoise eyes. It measures 1 7/8"wide, 3/4" deep, and 3/4" tall. This is his representation of the southwestern 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.
Fetishes
