Universal Bear

This universal bear was carved by husband and wife team, Lynn and Jayne Quam.  They joined their talents to create this amazing bear. The bear is carved from tijilite. Of course the following observations are subjective, but what we see on one side is the moon, stars, a curve that could be a shooting star, land, and other elements.  On the other side is a Sunface, representing the intelligent force of nature of the sun. The sun is inlaid turquoise and jet, along with eight inlaid dots around the Sunface.  The stones inlaid on the other side include chrysocolla, azurite, serpentine, abalone, spiny oyster shell, and turquoise.  Signed "Lynn Jayne Quam" on the bottom.  Superb! More about bears below.

Size: 2.5" H x 3.25" 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.