FETISHES
The Indians of the Southwest have used fetishes throughout their history. Some believe animals have powers that can be helpful to mankind and the animals can choose whether or not to grant man access to their powers. A carved fetish may be used to entice an animal to share its power. This is based on the concept of duality of the physical and spiritual aspect of all things – the spirit of the animal is appealed to through the fetish.
Fetishes represent something different to each person. Some people have a particular animal they consider to be their totem while others relate to the significance the Zunis attach to each animal. Many people view them as delightful, miniature sculptures without any meaning being ascribed to them.
The Zuni Indians ascribe the following characteristics to the animal fetishes included in this section of our fetish carvings:
ASSORTED MAMMALS
Badger Fetish: independence and the ability to reach a desired goal. They may be sought out for healing based upon their knowledge of herbs. The ability to reach a desired goal
Deer Fetish: the power of gentleness
Mole Fetish: protector of the growing crops and the underworld
Otter Fetish: laughter, curiosity, mischievous
Porcupine Fetish: the power of faith and trust
Rabbit Fetish: virtue, serenity, quiet talent, restrained passion. The special guardian of women in child birth, also associated with safe birth and long life for children.
Raccoon Fetish: bandit, shy, resourceful
Ram Fetish: sense of self-worth, assures an increase in herds
BEARS
Bear Fetishes are probably the most important and certainly the most popular of the animal fetishes.
They provide protection and strength; they facilitate introspection and one’s spiritual journey through life.
Bears fetishes have healing abilities; the white bear is said to be an especially powerful healer.
BIRDS & BATS
Duck Fetish: spirits of those who have passed on
Eagle Fetish: a soaring spirit that transcends personal problems, creator, teacher, loyal, great integrity, spiritual connection to the great Divine
Hummingbird Fetish: messenger, stopper of time
Owl Fetish: can see what others can’t; essence of true wisdom
Quail Fetish: sacred spirit, ceremonial, holy
Raven Fetish: magic, the messenger of the great mystery, a change in consciousness
BISON, HORSE, MOOSE
Bison/Buffalo Fetish: steadfast endurance to overcome and to rise above ones weakness, great emotional courage, provider to all
Horse Fetish: swiftness, strength, enlightment, possesses healing powers
Moose Fetish: headstrong, unstoppable longevity
BOBCATS AND MOUNTAIN LIONS
Bobcat Fetish: the knower of secrets, clairvoyance ability
Mountain Lion Fetish: Power of leadership, ability to lead without insisting others follow resourcefulness, protector of travelers, aid to hunters of big game
CORNMAIDENS
Corn Maiden Fetish - Various carvings are done which represent women. The most popular are the corn maiden fetishes which are honored for nurturing her people (the Zunis) with the flesh of her body, corn.
Coyote Fetish: the master trickster, laughter, humor, and foolishness, the ability to laugh at oneself
Fox Fetish: camouflage, ability to meld into one’s surrounding and be unnoticed, protection
Wolf Fetish: teacher, pathfinder on the never ending journey for survival, sharer of knowledge
EAGLES & HAWKS
To the Zuni Indians the Eagle Fetish represents a soaring spirit that transcends personal problems. It is also associated with a creator and teacher. Additional characteristics are loyalty, great integrity and a spiritual connection to the great Divine
FROGS
Frog Fetish - For centuries the frogs have been credited with being able to petition the spirits to send plenty of life-giving rain. Their powers expand to producing abundance in all things. They are considered to facilitate human fertility.
REPTILES
Horned Lizard Fetish: self-reliance, longevity, protects ancestral bounty
Lizard Fetish: conversation, agility
Snake Fetish: a powerful fetish symbolizing life, death and rebirth
Turtle Fetish: a symbol of a long and meaningful life, oldest symbol of Mother Earth, longevity, the art of grounding
SEA LIFE, INSECTS, MISCELLANEOUS
Bat Fetish: guardian of the night, cleaner
Beaver Fetish: power of working and attaining a sense of achievement, progressive builder, one who promotes family unity
Butterfly Fetish: the art of transformation, the ability to know or to change the mind
Dolphin Fetish: trust, loyalty, spirit of friendship
Fish Fetish: purifier, character, ability to hide emotions
Mouse Fetish: scrutiny, paying attention to detail
Squirrel Fetish: natural intelligence, saver, protects reserves