ZUNI: THE ART AND THE PEOPLE

ZUNI: THE ART AND THE PEOPLE

When Squaw Bell Traders publishing first came out with these books I didn’t realize how important they would become. They were printed by a yearbook company in Texas, wasn’t sure how I felt about that. However, it covered lots of artists that collectors didn’t now about, like Jack Weekooty.  There is also an excellent photo showing him casting.
Andrea Davis
Armadillo Zuni Fetish Meaning

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.

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Tagged: Fetish Carvings
Horned Toad Zuni Fetish Meaning

Horned Toad Zuni Fetish Meaning

I can't think of something that represents the Four Corners better than a Horned Toad. Fascinating creatures. What is the Horned Toad Zuni Fetish Meaning?

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Tagged: Fetish Carvings
Bobcat Zuni Fetish Meaning

Bobcat Zuni Fetish Meaning

The Bobcat is a Zuni prey god and is the elder brother of the Wolf and represents the southern direction in the hunting directional set. In Zuni culture a fetish represents the animal spirit thought to reside in the stone. Prey gods of the hunt are placed in a buckskin bag and carried by the hunter over his heart. The fetish aids in the chase and represents "the roar of the animal" and is also fed on the blood of the slain prey. It is believed that the hearts of the great animals of prey are infused with a spirit of magic over the hearts of the animals they prey upon. The prey gods are given high rank among the gods. Because of this, their fetishes are greatly esteemed as mediators between people and the animals they represent. What is the Bobcat Zuni Fetish Meaning?

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Tagged: Fetish Carvings
Badger Zuni Fetish Meaning

Badger Zuni Fetish Meaning

The Badger is the guardian and master of the South. In Zuni culture a fetish represents the animal spirit thought to reside in the stone. He is usually represented by the color red. He is part of the healing and protective fetish sets. The Badger is a prey god, the younger brother of the bear. What is the Badger Zuni Fetish Meaning? Because he lives close to the ground he has a great knowledge of the earth, understanding of agriculture, and it is believed that he has knowledge of healing roots and herbs. He is characterized by tenaciousness, passion, control, persistence and earthiness. He is aggressive and represents the ability to reach one's goals.

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Tagged: Fetish Carvings
Coyote Zuni Fetish Meaning

Coyote Zuni Fetish Meaning

What is the Coyote Zuni Fetish Meaning? The Coyote is the Hunter God of the West. The Coyote represents laughter, humor and the ability to learn from ones own foolishness. He is a master trickster and characterized by arrogance and a sense of self-importance. These characteristics can teach us how our impulsive choices and self-centeredness fail us.

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Tagged: Fetish Carvings
Frog Zuni Fetish Meaning

Frog Zuni Fetish Meaning

Fetishes are an important part in Zuni tradition and culture. In Zuni culture a fetish represents the animal spirit thought to reside in the stone. The Frog is believed to be able to petition the spirits to bring forth abundant rain. In Zuni, New Mexico this is a very important thing because the climate is arid, considered "high desert." This is one of the most common fetishes found today, and one of the oldest dating types of fetishes. What is the Frog Zuni Fetish Meaning? The Frog also represents fertility. It is said that keeping a frog fetish next to the bed will allow a woman to become pregnant.

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Tagged: Fetish Carvings
Fox Zuni Fetish Meaning

Fox Zuni Fetish Meaning

In Zuni culture fetishes play an important role. A fetish is a an animal carved in stone, bone or antler. If the animal's spirit resides in the stone it is considered a fetish and is thought to be very powerful. The fox fetish will look similar to the wolf fetish, but will have an elongated, fluffy tail. Typically the facial features will be delicate with pointed ears and noses. What is the Fox Zuni Fetish Meaning?

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Tagged: Fetish Carvings
Eagle Zuni Fetish Meaning

Eagle Zuni Fetish Meaning

What is the Eagle Zuni Fetish Meaning? The Eagle is the guardian and master or prey god of the Upper regions because he flies through the skies without tiring and his coat is speckled like the clouds.  He is the younger brother of the wolf and the older brother of the mole.  The Eagle is the messenger to the gods and his fetish represents power, balance, dignity, vision, higher truth and grace.  In Zuni culture a fetish represents the animal spirit thought to reside in the stone.  The eagle is found in both the healing and the hunter directional fetish sets.

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Tagged: Fetish Carvings
Mole Zuni Fetish Meaning

Mole Zuni Fetish Meaning

What is the Mole Zuni Fetish Meaning? The Mole is the guardian and master of the lower regions because he burrows through the earth without tiring. He is the younger brother of the Eagle. He protects crops from disease and pests that threaten the harvest. The Mole fetish represents awareness, grounding and introspection. It is included in both the healing and hunting directional fetish sets, and usually carved in black to represent the color of its coat and the color of the holes and caves of the earth. Artists sometimes inlay these fetishes with eyes, but often they are left without eyes. In Zuni culture a fetish represents the animal spirit thought to reside in the stone. Moles remind us that even subtle change is still change.

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Tagged: Fetish Carvings
Mountain Lion Zuni Fetish Meaning

Mountain Lion Zuni Fetish Meaning

What is the Mountain Lion Zuni Fetish Meaning? The Mountain Lion is the guardian and master of the North in Zuni culture. He is thought to be the most powerful hunter and appears in both hunting and healing directional sets of fetishes. In Zuni culture a fetish represents the animal spirit thought to reside in the stone. The Mountain Lion is endowed with peculiar powers of sight and smell. He is the older brother of the bear and represents leadership, resourcefulness, cunning and clarity, independence, spiritual intensity, intuition, fierce protectiveness and loyalty. It is carried by travelers to protect them on their journey and also carried by hunters to help ensure a successful hunt.

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Tagged: Fetish Carvings
Bear Zuni Fetish Meaning

Bear Zuni Fetish Meaning

In Zuni culture a fetish represents the animal spirit thought to reside in the stone. What is the Bear Zuni Fetish Meaning? The Bear is the guardian and master of the west. His fetish represents healing and protection. The Bear is associated with the color blue and known for his curative powers. Though all bears are healers, white bears are particularly powerful. Characteristics associated with bears include strength, courage, adaptability, healing and spiritual communion.

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Tagged: Fetish Carvings