A fetish is a Native American carving
believed to have power. Many Native American tribes create and use
fetishes, the most renowned fetish carvers are from the Zuni Indian
tribe.
Indian fetishes
are hand-carved objects, which represent the spirits of animals.
From the earliest times in North America, the Indians have used
fetishes in an effort to master forces beyond their control.
The earliest fetishes are called Ahlashiwe or stone ancients
by the Zunis. They were
naturally formed stones that seemed to resemble people or animals,
sometimes made more realistic with the features accentuated by
a carver.
Zunis believe that animals, as well as inanimate objects and
the forces of nature, have a spirit force, which can either help
or hurt man. It is believed that the carved animal fetishes host
that spiritual force and, if treated properly, will help their
owners to overcome the problems facing them.
According
to Zunis, the guardian animals of the six directions
are:
Mountain
lion - North
Bear - West
Badger - South
Eagle - the Sky (up)
Mole - Underground (down)
Wolf - East
The Zuni fetishes are given a place of honor in
the Zuni home. Some receive special places on the family altar; others
are kept in their fetish bowl when not in use. A fetish bowl is a
hand-made pot, usually encrusted with turquoise chips, with the four
directional fetishes attached to the outside. Inside the pot, fetishes
are stored in a mixture of wood ash and corn pollen. If a mole fetish
is in residence, it is usually kept in a leather bag because it doesn't
like light. These fetishes are ceremonially fed through a small hole
in the side of the pot.
Carved
from rock and semi-precious stones, Zuni fetish carvings are used
in daily life for good luck, prosperity and health. The
heart line of coral or turquoise seen on some fetishes represents
the living essence within the stone body, while the backpack on a
fetish is an offering to the animal spirits. Common materials used
by Zuni fetish carvers include serpentine, jet, turquoise, coral,
travertine onyx, green snail shell and Picasso marble. The bear or
medicine bear is one of the most popular and commonly made Zuni fetishes,
representing strength, courage, power, good luck, and healing.
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Turquoise Bracelets
You will find a great selection of men and womens Turquoise Bracelets from Native American Indian Artists of the Southwest.
We are always adding new Navajo and Zuni Indian Jewelry in Turquoise, so be sure to check out the "Whats New" section.
Make a Statement with this Handcarved Buffalo Bone 18 Feather Necklace by Silver Hawk. Comes with matching Earrings.
You will enjoy any piece created by Native American Artist, Silver Hawk. All are handcarved from Buffalo Bone. Designs depict various birds of prey, such as the Snowy Owl.
Carved
from rock and semi-precious stones, Zuni fetish carvings are used
in daily life for good luck, prosperity and health. The
heart line of coral or turquoise seen on some fetishes represents
the living essence within the stone body, while the backpack on a
fetish is an offering to the animal spirits. Common materials used
by Zuni fetish carvers include serpentine, jet, turquoise, coral,
travertine onyx, green snail shell and Picasso marble. The bear or
medicine bear is one of the most popular and commonly made Zuni fetishes,
representing strength, courage, power, good luck, and healing.
