Aroma of Spring Bear

This bear by Rickson Kallestewa has its nose up in the air, perhaps smelling the onset of spring?  Carved from white marble, it has inlaid jet eyes, nose, mouth and claws.  We love how the ears, back, tail and feet are all detailed.  So animated!  "RK", "2022", and "Zuni" are carved into the bottoms of the feet.

Size: 1.25" H x 2.25" L x .875" 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.