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.
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 3/4" wide, 5/8" tall, and 1" 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.
Frog fetish with inlay sun face by Brian Yatsattie, pipestone with inlay shell, turquoise, coral, and jet
Zuni frog fetish with inlay sun face and turquoise, made by Brian Yatsattie. Native American Made. It is 3/4" tall, 2" wide, and 1 7/8" long, made of pipestone, with inlay turquoise, coral, jet, and mother of pearl on the back. The fetish is signed on the bottom.
Toads and frogs are associated with rain, abundance, water, and fertility, and they bring the rain, which is essential to all life on earth.
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 1/2" tall, 1 3/4" 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.
Bear fetish by Eddington Hannaweeke
Bear Zuni fetish carving, red serpentine marble, with inlay turquoise eyes. Native American handmade. It is 1 3/4" long, 2 1/2" tall, and 1 1/8" wide. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Eddington Hannaweeke, and it is signed on the bottom EH. It has beautiful color a true brown bear with a wonderful pose.
The bear is one of the most popular fetishes, it symbolizes strength, power, courage, adaptability, and health. Protector from the west.
Fetishes
