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 1/4" 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.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" long, 7/8" wide (wing to wing), and 1 1/4" 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.
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.
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.
Dachshund dog fetish by Enrike Leekya
Dog Zuni fetish, made of gray and light brown Picasso marble, with inlay turquoise eyes and nose. Native American Made. It is 1 1/2" tall, 1" deep, and about 5" long. 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.
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 2 1/2" long, 5/8" wide, 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.
Lizard on pueblo village fetish by Herbert Him, marble
Native American Zuni fetish carving of a lizard, sitting on a pueblo village, made of black/dark green marble. It is 4" long, 2 1/2" wide, and 1 3/4" tall. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Herbert Him, and it is signed on the bottom. This fetish is so different, and beautifully carved, with a lot of detail in the pueblo building. A fantastic piece for a collector.
Lizards are quick, agile, and survivors, and a symbol of the desert.
White chicken or rooster fetish by Enrike Leekya
Zuni fetish carving of a rooster, by artist Enrike Leekya. It is made of white serpentine, with turquoise eyes, mother of pearl beak, inlay jet in the eyes, and the comb and wattles made of wood. Native American Made. It is 2 3/4" tall, 3/4" wide, and 3 1/4" long. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Enrike Leekya, and is signed on the bottom.Â
Fetishes of domesticated animals like roosters are used to protect their herds and flocks from disease, injury, and death, or to help increase the numbers of their animals. A unique fetish for the collector.
Badger fetish by Karen Zuni, green serpentine
Zuni badger fetish, made of serpentine with inlay turquoise eyes. Native American Made. It is 1 7/8" long, 1/2" tall and 1 1/4" wide. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Karen Zuni, and is signed on the bottom. Has great details in the fur and face.
Badgers symbolize strength, power.
Fetishes
