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.
Mother of Pearl bighorn sheep by Andres Quandelacy
Native American Zuni fetish carving of a bighorn sheep, made of mother of pearl with turquoise inlay eyes and heart line design. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Andres Quandelacy. Each fetish is handmade, and the color 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.
Measurements: 1 5/8" wide, 1" tall, and about 1/2" deep at the widest part (horns).
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 1/2" wide, 1" deep (wing to wing), and 1 3/8" 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.
Lizard fetish by Bernie Laselute, Picasso marble
Lizard fetish by Zuni artist Bernie Laselute, made of Picasso marble, with turquoise inlay eyes. Artist's name is carved on the bottom.
Lizards are quick, agile, and survivors, and a symbol of the desert.
Measurements: 2 1/4" wide, 5/8" tall, and 7/8" deep
Black marble elephant by Calvert Bowannie
Elephant fetish by Calvert Bowannie, made of black marble, with inlay turquoise eyes. 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.
Measurements: It is 1 1/4" tall, 2 1/4" deep, and 3/4" wide.
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 It is 5/8" tall, 1 1/2" wide, and 3/4" deep.
Javelina fetish, Picasso marble, by Bernie Laselute
Javelina fetishes 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: It measures 2 wide, 5/8" deep, and 1" tall.
Skunk fetish by Calvert Bowannie, black marble and mother of pearl
Skunk fetish by Zuni artist Calvert Bowannie, made of black marble, with inlay mother of pearl for the white markings, and inlay turquoise eyes. Signed on the bottom.
Skunk carvings are not used in Zuni religious traditions, but the artists like to carve all different animals as a challenge, and as an example of the carvers' ingenuity, skill, and adaptability.
Measurements: It measures 2 1/4" wide, 1" tall, and 3/4" 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 It is 1 1/2" wide, 3/4" tall, and 5/8" 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 2 1/4" wide, 1 1/8" tall, and 1" deep.
Pig fetish by Enrike Leekya, Picasso marble
Zuni pig fetish, by artist Enrike Leekya, made of Picasso marble with turquoise snout and hooves, and inlay turquoise eyes. Artist's signature is on the bottom.
Fetishes of domesticated animals like goats are used to protect their herds and flocks from disease, injury, and death, or to help increase the numbers of their animals.
Measurements: Â It is 1 3/4" tall, 2 5/8" wide, and 1 1/4" deep.
Pig fetish by Bernie Laselute
Zuni pig fetish, made of picasso marble, with inlay turquoise eyes. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Bernie Laselute. It is made of a beautiful piece of picasso marble that is light tan grayish looking.
Pig fetishes are not used in Zuni religious traditions, but they are an example of the carvers' ingenuity, skill, and adaptability.
Measurements: Â 1" tall, 1 5/8" wide, and 1" deep
Fetishes
