Spider Zuni Fetish Meaning

Spider Zuni Fetish Meaning

What is the Spider Zuni Fetish Meaning? Fetishes play an important role in Zuni culture. Whether you are a collector of fetishes, or wanting to simply understand the culture better, you may wonder what certain fetishes mean. In this case, let's discuss the Spider. Generally the Spider represents creativity and is considered the weaver of the fabric of life. It is not a traditional Zuni fetish but may have gained popularity through trade with other tribes and the demands of collectors.

Spider Zuni Fetish Meaning

In Zuni culture a fetish represents the animal spirit thought to reside in the stone. It is believed that fetishes require a meal of cornmeal and ground turquoise occasionally. Turquoise is regarded as a sacred stone. 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. These small items, although colorful to the eye, are intended to protect and feed the fetish itself.