Native American Fetishes

Fetishes, or stone carvings representing animals, are common worldwide. Zuni Pueblo has a long tradition of carving fetishes for religious purposes, and this is still practiced today. The last century has brought a shift as the carvings have become more highly sought after by tourists, collectors and Native people alike. Popular fetish images symbolize the following amongst the Zuni people: the Eagle represents inter-relatedness and vision; the Mountain Lion equals strength; the Wolf stands for enlightenment; the Badger symbolizes growth; the Bear means introspection; and the Mole relates the qualities of trust and being grounded.

Each creature has its own qualities and ann individual (Native or non-Native) might seek to incorporate those qualities into his or her journey in this life. These fetishes can serve as a reminder or an inspiration to personal growth, to values that can elude us or fade as we participate in our modern society.

Arvilla Cheama ~ Hummingbird	David Chavez ~ Moth	Jerold Lahaleon ~ Five Eagles	Cheryl Beyuka ~ Foxes
Herbert Pincion ~ Swan	Hudson Sandy ~ Seahorse	Derrick Kamasee ~ Mother/baby owl	Brian Yatsattie ~ Badger

How to make a Purchase

Acoma • Hopi-Tewa • Jemez • Santa Clara/San Ildefonso
Laguna • Zia • Zuni • Santo Domingo • Micaceous • Mata Ortiz
Wedding Vases   • Other Tribes •  Storytellers • Fetishes • How to make a Purchase
Native American Arts • Native American Paintings

Ask a Question: Send an E-mail to Us Now

Homepage  •  Welcome  •  The Pueblos   •  Learn More •  Contact Us  
  Links of Interest I • II • III • IV • V • VI  • VII  • VIII
Reciprocal Linking • Web Rings