A Southwest Native American Zuñi Pueblo Stone Bear Fetish and three smaller Zuñi Fetishes (1800 to 1900 North American)

turquoise / jet / stone

Provenance : The larger, Ex Private New York collection
The smaller, Ex Private London collection

The Zuñi people believe that powerful south-western spirits dwell in rocks and stones that naturally resemble an animal or human and they are believed to be petrifications of these forms with the soul or breath of the spirit inside. When these are made into fetishes they act as mediators between the people and supernatural beings and they empower the owner with the strength of the animal represented. Thus the animal ally is joined in spirit with the hunter who seeks its blessing.

Large Bear - SOLD
Three smaller examples - for sale

A Southwest Native American Zuñi Pueblo Stone Bear Fetish with attached arrow head
and three smaller Zuñi Fetishes, a horse, a bear and a dog (?) made of turquoise and jet
The larger Circa 1850, the smaller Circa 1880

Size : 6 cm high, 14.5 cm long – 2¼ ins high, 5¾ ins long ( large )
2 cm long - ¾ ins long ( each – smaller )