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.
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 1/4" tall. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artist Calvert Bowannie and is signed on the bottom.
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.
Turquoise corn maiden fetish by Sandra Quandelacy
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Mountain lion, green serpentine, made by Rosella Lunasee and Loubert Soseeah
Mountain lion fetish, made of green serpentine, with inlay turquoise eyes. It is 3/4" tall, 1/2" wide, and 3" long. This fetish was handmade by Zuni artists Rosella Lunasee and Loubert Soseeah, and is signed RL and LS on the bottom.
Mountain lions represent resourcefulness, they are power symbols, aiding hunters in big game. They are said to protect travelers.
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.
Black marble elephant by Calvert Bowannie
Elephant fetish by Calvert Bowannie, made of black marble, with inlay turquoise eyes. It is 1" tall, 1 3/8" long, and 1/2" 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.
Horse by Andres Quandelacy, black marble
Horse fetish by Andres Quandelacy, made of black jet, with inlay turquoise eyes. It is 1" tall, about 3/8" wide, 2 1/4" long.
Horses represent strength, enlightenment, speed, and are thought to possess healing powers.
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.
Zuni car fetish "Eazy Rider" by Carlton Etsate, marble with silver accents
Native American Zuni fetish carving of an antique car, rare carving by Carlton Etsate entitled "Eazy Rider". It is 2 1/2" long, 1 1/2" wide, and about 1 3/4" tall, made of various marble stone with silver for the wheels, windows, and other parts. Signed on the bottom.
Zuni vintage fetish necklace, three strands
Zuni made vintage fetish necklace, three strands with 59 fetishes, 23" long. Main fetish in the center is an eagle. All three strands are strung through a turquoise fox fetish on each side. The strands are strung with very small pin shell and turquoise heishi. The hand-carved fetishes range in size from 3/8" to 1" wide, and one turquoise eagle fetish in the center that is 3/4" by 1 1/8". The fetishes are various animals, such as wolves, foxes, and frogs. Sterling silver cones with hook closure. Very delicate and very wearable piece.
Zuni vintage three strand fetish necklace
Zuni made vintage stylized bird fetish necklace, three strands with a total of 66 fetishes, about 28" long. The hand-carved fetishes graduate in size, from 3/4" long at the ends to 1 1/4" long in the middle. They are bird fetishes, made from various materials, including pipestone, mother of pearl, and other shells. There are small pin shell heishi between the fetishes. Very delicate necklace, and the neutral colors make it wearable with anything.
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