Armadillo Zuni Fetish Meaning
In the Zuni culture fetishes play an important role. In Zuni culture a fetish represents the animal spirit thought to reside in the stone. If your collection includes an armadillo you may wonder what it represents. What is the Armadillo Zuni Fetish Meaning? The armadillo is slow and sure. Because he is reserved, he takes his time and does things right. He is keeper of the home and represents variety in a person's inner life. The armadillo’s leathery armor-like hide helps to protect them from predators. This thick skin represents his ability to offer protection from hurts and offenses.
It is believed that fetishes require a meal of cornmeal and ground turquoise occasionally.. Fetishes may be kept in a clay pot as it is the tradition. However, collectors usually like to keep theirs somewhere where they can be admired and enjoyed. The contemporary fetish may carry an offering of a smaller animal or a prayer bundle. It may be adorned with a heishe ( small disc- or tube-shaped beads made of organic shells or ground and polished stones) necklace, feathers, etchings representing ancient petroglyphs, or an etched or inlaid heartline, often made of turquoise which is regarded as a sacred stone. These small items, although colorful to the eye, are intended to protect and feed the fetish itself.