Little Bear

This little moss green serpentine bear was carved by Craig Haloo.  He inlaid turquoise eyes and an offering bundle.  It stands on an arrowhead carved from catlinite.  Its nose is lifted...does it smell something delicious?  More about bears below.

Size: .75" H x 1" 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.