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
Turquoise bighorn sheep by Andres Quandelacy
Native American Zuni fetish carving of a bighorn sheep, made of turquoise with coral inlay eyes and heart line design. It is 1 3/4" long, 1" tall, and 1/2" wide 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.
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 1/4" long, just under 1" wide (wing to wing), and 1 1/2" tall. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Calvert Bowannie and is signed on the bottom.
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.
Turquoise corn maiden fetish by Sandra Quandelacy
Lizard fetish by Bernie Laselute, Picasso marble
Turquoise Corn Maiden with tablitas by Claudia Peina
Mountain lion, green serpentine, made by Rosella Lunasee and Loubert Soseeah
Mountain lions represent resourcefulness, they are power symbols, aiding hunters in big game. They are said to protect travelers.
Dragonfly fetish by Ruben Najera
Dragonfly fetishes are not traditionally used in Zuni religious ceremonies, but they are made to showcase the artist's skill and creativity.
Horse by Andres Quandelacy, black marble
Horse fetish by Andres Quandelacy, made of black marble, with inlay turquoise eyes. It is 1 1/4" tall, about 1/2" wide, 2 1/4" long.
Horses represent strength, enlightenment, speed, and are thought to possess healing powers.
Beetle fetish, black marble, by Bremette Epaloose
Black marble staghorn beetle fetish, by Bremette Epaloose. It is 5/8" tall, 1 3/8" wide, and 2" long. Very intricate and realistic detail on this beetle.
Beetle fetishes are not traditionally used in Zuni religious ceremonies, but they are made to showcase the Zuni carvers' creativity and skill.
Frog fetish by Ricky Laahty, honey calcite
Zuni frog fetish by Ricky Laahty, made of honey calcite. It is 5/8" tall, 1 3/4" wide and 1 1/4" deep. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Ricky Laahty, who is famous for his frogs. This particular fetish has another carving on the bottom of a bird, which he has recently started doing.
Frogs represent fertility and abundance, and they bring the rain, which is important to all life on earth. Birds carry prayers to the sky, asking for rain and blessings.
Zuni vintage fetish necklace, three strands
Zuni made vintage fetish necklace, three strands with 59 fetishes, 23" long. Main fetish in the center is an eagle. All three strands are strung through a turquoise fox fetish on each side. The strands are strung with very small pin shell and turquoise heishi. The hand-carved fetishes range in size from 3/8" to 1" wide, and one turquoise eagle fetish in the center that is 3/4" by 1 1/8". The fetishes are various animals, such as wolves, foxes, and frogs. Sterling silver cones with hook closure. Very delicate and very wearable piece.
Fetishes
