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. |  | |
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.
Rhino carved from pipe stone measures 2 1/4 inches long. Though not a traditional fetish animal, some carvers are create all sorts of animal figures.
Bear fetish carved out of serpentine stone. This bear has a "Prayer Bundle" tied on his back to protect him on his journey. Bear guides us from the West.
Stylized Eagle carved from alabaster has designs etched on to it's surface. The bird has a Prayer Bundle and turquoise inlaid eyes. Measuring 2 inches long.
Strength, healing and introspection are the powers given to the bear, the guardian animal of the West. This bear is appropriately carved from the stone representative of the West turquoise. He has an arrow for protection on his back.
Charolite carved Rattle Snake has jet inlaid eyes. Measuring 2 inches long, it has a grid pattern carved in it's back. Snake totem is generally transformation, because it can shed it's old skin and start a new.
Zuni carved fetish Turtle measures 1 1/2 inches long. Carved from serpentine and inlaid with jet and turquoise. The Turtle represents mother earth and longevity.
Perched on a limb, this turquoise Owl is searching for something to eat. The Owl generally is known for wisdom and the keeper of the night.
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.
