Bowlerite Bear

Bernard Laiwekete carved this wild looking bear from bowlerite, which is recycled bowling balls.  He inlaid turquoise eyes, and a double heartline.  The "stone" is highly dimensional on both sides and it would be easy to get lost in the layers!  "BL" and "Zuni" carved into bottom

Size: 1.375" H x 3.25" L x 1" 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.