Badger (south)—healers, aggressiveness, perseverance
Bear (west)—healer, strength, introspection
Beaver—promotes family unity
Buffalo—strength, endurance to rise above one’s weaknesses
Coyote (east)—ability to laugh at oneself, humor
Deer—abundance in the natural world
Eagle (zenith or sky)—spirit, a connection to the Divine
Fox—camouflage, protection
Frog—fertility, invokes the spirits to bring rain
Horse—partnerships, stamina, mobility, and strength
Mole—(nadir or underworld) protector and hunter of the lower region, the underground
Mountain Lion—(north) leadership, resourcefulness
Owl—wise, smart, patient
Ram—male fertility
Raven—healer
Snake—a force in life, death and rebirth
Turtle—longevity, assures rainfall
Wolf (east)—teacher, pathfinder on the journey of survival
ZUNI FETISH
A Zuni fetish is carving of an animal, or occasionally of some representation of a Zuni spirit. These carvings are thought to inherit the properties of the animal they represent, and these properties are said to help the owner of the fetish, depending on the specific characteristics of the particular animal or supernatural being the carving represents. Some animals have important symbolic characteristics that are relatively consistent, however, the spirit of the fetish can be interpreted in many different ways depending on the individual owner’s perspective.
Most carvings are made from stone, though for centuries the Zuni people have carved these fetishes for personal use out of many different materials, such as wood, shell, clay, coral and even silver. They believe that the spirits of the animals can act as messengers to the gods, and provide protection from various evils in the world as well as promote the benefits of other elements.
As you will see with many of the Zuni fetish pieces offered here at Kachina House, the animals are depicted with bundles of shells, stones, arrowheads, shells, feathers and other symbolic elements. These bundles are offerings that the animal spirit will carry to the gods on behalf of the owner of the fetish. However, it is said that only the truly pure of heart will be able to stir the fetish spirits with any true power.
Though many Native American Indian tribes use fetishes, the Zuni are recognized to be the most gifted and prolific carvers of these fascinating artifacts. Kachina House offers a wide range of popular Zuni fetish animals made by various talented Zuni artists. If you are unable to find a particular fetish, just email us and we’ll be able to search through our extensive collection in our 5,000 square foot showroom to find just the fetish animal you’re looking for. It does not matter whether you’re looking for the popular animals that represent the four primary directions, the mountain lion of the north, the bear of the west, the badger of the south, and the wolf of the east, or if you’re in search of a most exotic animal like a pelican or a panda, there is sure to have been a Zuni artist who felt compelled to carve such a beast.
