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 2 3/8" tall, just over 3/4" wide. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Carlton Etsate and is signed on the bottom.
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.
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 lion fetish, made of green serpentine, with inlay turquoise eyes. It is 3/4" tall, 1/2" wide, and 3" long. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artists Rosella Lunasee and Loubert Soseeah, and is signed RL and LS on the bottom.
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.
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.
Zuni vintage three strand fetish necklace
Zuni made vintage stylized bird fetish necklace, three strands with a total of 66 fetishes, about 28" long. The hand-carved fetishes graduate in size, from 3/4" long at the ends to 1 1/4" long in the middle. They are bird fetishes, made from various materials, including pipestone, mother of pearl, and other shells. There are small pin shell heishi between the fetishes. Very delicate necklace, and the neutral colors make it wearable with anything.
Wolf pair fetish by Jayne Quam
Zuni wolf pair fetish carving, made from different stones, 3 1/2" long and 7/8" wide. One wolf is made of black marble, the other is white marble, and both have turquoise inlay eyes. The wolves are tied together with a medicine bundle made of beads and shells. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Jayne Quam and each wolf is signed on the bottom.
The wolf pairs are traditionally given to newlyweds and couples, since wolves mate for life. The wolf is the teacher, family-oriented, the pathfinder, invokes a strong family bond, hunters, and the symbol for the East. The medicine bundle is an offering to the animal's spirit that amplifies the power of the fetish.
Fetishes
