Happy Fishing Bear

This happy bear looks filled with gratitude as it holds its fish and looks upward.  It was carved by Freddie Leekya from travertine and has inlaid turquoise eyes and snout.  The fish is shimmering Mother of Pearl with detailed fin and tail.  More about bears below.

Size: 2.25" H x 1.5" L x 1.25" 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.