Fetishes
Historically, all of the Southwest native peoples make and use fetishes. In fact, most North American indigenous peoples and even Europeans believed in an "object containing a spirit that provides supernatural assistance if treated with proper respect" (Bahti, Mark, Spirit in the Stone [Treasure Chest Books.)
The Zuni are probably the most well-known for their excellent fetishes, perhaps due, at least partially, to the study of them by Frank Cushing in the late Nineteenth Century. The Zuni fetishes are generally kept in a special fetish pot and ceremonially fed corn pollen. The animals are separated into the prey animals (such as a deer) and the hunting animals (such as a mountain lion). Particular animals and colors may make up a "set" representative of the powers in the four directions (or more than four, depending upon the tribe or pueblo). According to Zuni tradition, the guardian animals of the six directions are: the mountain lion - north; the bear - west; the badger - south; the eagle - the sky; the mole - underground; and the wolf - east.
In addition to animals, other objects, such as corn maiden fetishes, act as healers, protectors, and spiritual helpers. The kind and cost of the stone, size, intricacy of carving, polish, animal and beauty of the piece all go into determining the value of a fetish.
Today, fetishes are bought as objects of art and as objects of medicine. Whenever possible, we will try to put a short description of what the fetish represents, but bear in mind that each animal or color may mean something slightly different among the Navajo, Hopi or Pueblo peoples. |  | |
Tatanka is a Lakota word that literally means “bull buffalo,” but Tatanka meant more than that. Ceremonies and daily life revolved around sacred reverence for Tatanka. Bison were the basis of life for Plains Indians, providing spiritual inspiration, food, clothing, shelter, household items, tools, weapons, and ceremonial items. Plains Indians had over 100 uses for the various parts. Bison represent abundance.
Marble Buffalo fetish has inlaid Lapis eyes. Buffalo measures 1 3/4 inches long by 1 1/4 inches tall. The marble has shades of gray, cream, beige and brown, adding to the character of the carving.
"Mama Buffalo with Baby Buffalo" by: Norman Begay- This how the artist has signed the bottom of this fine alabaster carving that is all one piece of stone. The detail is amazing and they have inlaid turquoise eyes and the Mama has black horns of an unknown material.
Roy Davis had a collection of his six directional fetishes go to the moon with the astronauts. Featured are 3 wolves all around 2 inches in length and under a 1/2 inch in height. From top to bottom are Shell, Abalone, Turquoise and Dolomite.
Opal bear has turquoise eyes and is most reflective when he is turned in the light. Appear green till the light changes him to iridescent shades of blues, green and yellows. The fire with in.
Red coral bear has inlaid black eyes, detailed paws and beautiful natural coloring. Could be by Georgette Quam, since Reynold and Georgette are married. Measures 1 5/8 inches long by 1/2 inch wide.
Rams were popular spirit animals to the ancient people. They provided food and clothing and were an omen of prosperity. Today goats are still important to the native people.
Coyote carved from the stone Chrysocolla. Chrysocolla is the power stone of creativity and communication and lends a gentle and soothing quality to the animal. The coyote is the trickster, some where between the clown and a nuisance.
Black marble snake is carved on the top with a zig zag pattern and it has turquoise inlaid eyes. The snake symbolized life, death and rebirth or transformation. The carving on the back of this snake represents lightning and the bringing of rain. Each snake fetish is CF194 for 45.00.
Fossilized Frog by Navajo carver Roy Davis. Frog is the caller of the rains and the cleanser of emotions.
Mountain Lion Fetish carved from Variscite by Navajo carver Roy Davis. Mountain Lion is said to have leadership qualities, teacher, and is the guardian of the North.
Denium lapis carved bird by Zuni artist Delvin Leekya. Lots of detail in the feathers and inlaid turquoise eyes. Probably a stylized Eagle. Eagle represents vision, intuition, and creativity.
Perched on a turquoise arrow head this abalone bird has extra protection with the "Spirit Bundle". Providing food, water, air and earthly protection. Measuring 1 1/2 inches long.
Creatures of the night. Featured is a fabulous carving by Zuni artist Lewis Mallie. Lewis is known for his work in antler. In this intricate piece you can see the antler shape. Two bats with wings spread come up from the base that has a moth on it.
Wolf in motion, carved from Charolite. Measuring 3 1/4 inches from head to toe. The tribe or country of origin is unknown on this carving.
Mountain lions are often depicted with their long tails across the top of the back. This turquoise cat measures 1 1/2 inches long.
This little guy might hop right into your heart. He is only an inch long and is made of spiny oyster shell by carver, Roy Davis.
Turquoise bear with a fetish spirit bundle on his back for extra protection. A shell arrow and piece of coral and turquoise to represent water, food and protection.
I am afraid this mountain lion with his turquoise "power pack" does not look very fierce. A mite too friendly even. He is 2-1/4 inches long.
Here is a cute little tagua nut squirrel. This little guy is 1-5/8" long. The tagua nut grows in the rainforest, and is commonly used by the indian people there to carve the local birds and animals. The ancient ways continue - the native people here still exchange materials and ideas with the native people from down south.
