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.
Red marble bighorn sheep by Andres Quandelacy
Native American Zuni fetish carving of a bighorn sheep, made of a red marble with coral inlay eyes and heart line design. It is 2 1/4" wide, 1 3/8" tall, and 1/2" deep 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 1/2" long, 1" wide (wing to wing), and 1 5/8" 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.
Lizard fetish by Bernie Laselute, Picasso marble
Lizard fetish by Zuni artist Bernie Laselute, made of Picasso marble, with turquoise inlay eyes. Measures 2 1/4" wide, 5/8" tall, and 7/8" 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 3 1/2" tall, 3" wide, and about 2 1/4" deep. The artist's signature is on the bottom, as well as "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.
Dachshund dog fetish by Enrike Leekya
Dog Zuni fetish, made of tan Picasso marble, with inlay turquoise eyes and nose. Native American Made. It is 2 1/8" tall, 1 1/2" deep, and about 4 3/4" wide. 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.
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 5/8" tall, 1 5/8" 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.
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.
Skunk fetish by Calvert Bowannie, black marble and mother of pearl
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Skunk fetish by Zuni artist Calvert Bowannie, made of black marble, with inlay mother of pearl for the white markings, and inlay turquoise eyes. It measures almost 2" long, 3/4" tall, and 1/2" wide. 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.
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. It is 1 3/4" long, 5/8" tall, and 3/4" deep. 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.
Moose fetish by Andres Quandelacy, shell
Zuni moose fetish, made of natural spiny Oster shell with inlay blue turquoise eyes. It is 2 3/8"wide, 1 1/8" tall, and 1/4" deep at the widest part. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Andres Quandelacy, who is part of a famous family of Zuni carvers going back many generations. This is a fabulous carving and a good example of his style.
Moose or large animals are a game animal to the Zuni, and these fetishes are carved to help in hunting these animals for food and clothing.
Tiny eagle fetish by Elfina Hustito, carved shed antler
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Eagle Zuni fetish, made of shed antler, with inlay turquoise eyes. It is 1 1/8" tall, 3/4" wide and 3/8" deep, so it is very delicate and tiny. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Elfina Hustito. Small and very detailed. Colors may vary slightly.
Eagles are the messengers to the Creator, and they symbolize power, balance, dignity, grace, they are hunters and protectors from the sky.
Fetishes
