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.
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. 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.
Measurements: 1 5/8" wide, 1 1/4" deep (wing to wing), and 1 1/2" tall.
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. This fetish is skillfully carved, characteristic of Claudia Peina's style. A beautiful inlay design with a coral inlay necklace and traditional "tablitas" head dress.
The Corn Maiden helps to bring a healthy corn crop (abundance), which is an important source of food to the Zuni.
Measurements: 3 1/4" tall, about 7/8" deep by 7/8" wide.
Mountain Lion fetish by Wilfred Cheama
Zuni mountain lion fetish, hand-carved and signed by Zuni artist Wilfred Cheama. It is made of serpentine with inlay turquoise eyes. The mountain lion is climbing down a steep hillside. With all the detail in the fur and the pose, you feel it will move right in front of you. The pose demonstrates the carver's skill. You don't want to mess with this mountain lion!
Mountain lions represent resourcefulness, they are power symbols, aiding hunters in big game. They are said to protect travelers.
Measurements: 2 3/4" tall, 2" wide and 2" deep.
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 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.
Measurements:Â 1/2" tall, 1 3/4" wide, and 7/8" deep.
Rabbit going into log fetish by Arvella Cheama
Zuni fetish carving of a rabbit going into a hollow log, made of Picasso marble. Bunny has inlay turquoise eyes. Native American Made. 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.
Measurements:Â 2 1/4" wide, 1 1/4" tall and 1 1/8" deep.
Baby Javelina fetish, Picasso marble, by Bernie Laselute
Baby Javelina fetishe by Bernie Laselute, made of Picasso marble with inlay turquoise eyes. This is his representation of the southwestern Javelina. Love this stance on this little 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.
Measurements: 1 3/4" wide, 3/4" deep, and 3/4" tall.
White bird fetish by Evalena Boone - alabaster
Zuni fetish carving of a white bird, handmade by Native American artist Evalena Boone.  It is made of alabaster with inlay turquoise eyes. The detail in the feathers is beautiful. This fetish is unsigned, but we buy directly from the artist so we always know who makes each piece.
Bird fetishes were thought to carry prayers to the sky asking for rain and blessings.
Measurements: 1" tall, 2 1/4" wide, and 1/2" deep.
Big mouth bass fetish by Bernie Laselute, Picasso marble
Zuni fetish carving of a big mouth bass, hand carved from Picasso marble, with inlay turquoise eyes. Native American Made. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Bernie Laselute, and it is signed on the bottom. Great movement to the fish, and a funny piece of fisherman humor. Colors may vary slightly from photo.
Big mouth bass are not a traditional Zuni fetish, but fish in general are an important symbol to the Zuni for their association with water, which is essential for all life on earth.
Measurements:Â 1 1/2" wide, 7/8" tall, and 3/4" deep.
Magpie with berry fetish by Calvert Bowannie, black marble and coral
Zuni fetish carving of a magpie with a berry in its mouth, made of black marble and coral, with turquoise inlay eyes and a coral berry. Native American Made. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Calvert Bowannie.Â
Bird fetishes were thought to carry prayers to the sky asking for rain and blessings.
Measurements:Â 4 1/4" wide, 1" tall, and 1" deep.
Ladybug fetish by Georgette Quam, black and red marble
Zuni ladybug fetish, made of red and black marble, with inlay turquoise eyes and black inlay dots. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Georgette Quam.Â
Ladybugs are a token of good luck, and while they are not used in traditional Zuni religious ceremonies, Zuni carvers make ladybugs to showcase their ingenuity and skill.
Measurements: 1" wide by 3/4" deep, and 3/8/4" tall.
Turtle fetish by Andrew Quam
Zuni turtle fetish, made of green alabaster, turquoise and mother of pearl with inlay turquoise and coral dots. It has raised dot inlay turquoise and coral on the shell and coral eyes. Native American Made. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Andrew Quam, and is signed on the bottom.
Turtles represent longevity, are a rain-bringing fetish, and serve as links to the Zuni ancestors.
Measurements: 1 1/2" wide, 1 1/8" deep, and 1/2" tall.
Baby Frog fetish by Michael Coble, picasso marble
Zuni fetish baby frog or toad, made of picasso marble, with inlay turquoise eyes. Native American made, handmade by Zuni artist Michael Coble, and the bottom is signed with his name, "Zuni N.M." and carvings of tadpoles. The beautiful picasso marble and finely carved textures make this frog very lifelike.
Toads and frogs are associated with rain, abundance, water, and fertility, and they bring the rain, which is essential to all life on earth.
Measurements: 1 1/4" wide, 1 1/2" deep, and 7/8" tall.
Fetishes
