Strong Bear

Zuni carver, Donovan Laiwwakete, carved this Picasso marble bear and inlaid turquoise eyes. The heartline is inlaid turquoise.The bundle has an abalone arrowhead and turquoise and coral. This bear emanates strength!

Size: 1.75" H x 2.5" L x .5" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.