Zuni Fetish Carvings

Zuni Fetishes historically were small animals carved of natural materials. Each animal and color had a specific significance and were used as a kind of religious talisman. Zuni mythology placed particular importance on mountain lions, bears, badgers, wolves, eagles, moles, and bobcats.  For those outside the Zuni traditions, the fetishes are viewed more as artwork but for many Zuni, they still carry greater meaning.

Due to the expense and lack of availability of many of the traditional materials, artists are now using a wide variety of both non-standard natural and many synthetic materials.

For those outside the Zuni traditions, the fetishes are viewed more as artwork but for many Zuni, they still carry greater meaning.

This collection is sorted, alphabetically, from A to Z