Beneficent Bear

Ed Lementino carved this beneficent bear from a lovely piece of Picasso marble.  It has inlaid turquoise eyes and an offering bundle with clam shell heishi, turquoise and coral.  It feels so good in the hand!  More about bears below.

Size: 1.375" H x 2" L x .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.