Zuni Fetishes

Otherwise known as a charm or talisman a fetish can be given a power by its owner greater than it’s mere materialistic value. These pieces are only carvings until blessed and used

Originally carved by the Zuni, a Pueblo tribe from the South West of America they are now also carved by the Navajo’s and other tribes. I try to stay to the Zuni nation. They like many other tribes believed in stones that when carried could bring luck, protection and power. Stones that resembled animals were the most prized. This lies in the Zuni creation myth that said that some of the animals were turned to stone to protect and make space for the humans and those in the stones gave the stone the power, essence of the animal.

All pieces come with short write up of history and other details.

The Zuni had a very specific belief system as to what each animal symbolized. These fetishes could help them connect with the power of an animal. For the North the mountain lion was the symbol for quiet strength, strength in controlled slow movement to achieve our goals and she was also said to protect us while on journeys. The bear was for the west and connected with healing by the Zuni. For other tribes she reminded them how to play like a cub and also how to be vicious when needed. She can also remind us that we all have a quiet space that we should keep just to our selves in our heads similar to the den. In the south we have the badger She’s thought to help with finding medicine via roots and herbs and for other cultures she reminds us how to be vicious and sharp when needed. Lastly for the east we have the wolf that for the Zuni was good for hunting and working within a group. For others she teaches them to ask questions and to learn and to teach all the while helping us on our life paths.

There are many other animals and all mean so much both by the Zuni and other tribes. The important thing is what do they mean to you, feel it in your heart, be drawn; even repelled that may be the one you need! Each one is very personal whatever meaning you may put to them they are all powerful in their own unique way.

Books of interest: “A guide to Zuni fetishes and carving”
By Kent Mc Manis. From Amazon.co.uk