Rickson Kallestewa

This big honey alabaster bear is holding a pot with a flower engraved on the front by Rickson Kallestewa.  It has inlaid jet eyes, nose, mouth, and claws, and a jet arrowhead offering bundle.  As with all of Rickson's carvings, the back, legs and face have well rounded curves.  It has been well loved for many years in the personal collection of the owner of Gathering Tribes.

Size: 4.75" H x 2.5" L x 1.675" 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.

Between the front paws of this mountain lion is a snack that it is holding tightly.  Carved by Rickson Kallestewa, it has his signature eyes toward the top of its head.  The stone is a lovely brown with almost burgundy highlights and may be a stone that is found around Zuni Pueblo.  We love how the tail wraps around the side of its body to the front.  The paws, nostrils, and mouth are detailed.  It feels very good in the hand.

Size: 1.75" H x 3.5" L x 1.25" W

In Zuni Pueblo, mountain lions are the guardians of the north, which is where wisdom lives.  They are sleek hunters who are primarily solitary predators, and in Zuni, they are the leaders of all of the hunting animals.  Full of grace, they move through life silently and with great power until they want you to hear them.

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.