Dark Serpentine Bear

Bil Tsikewa, Sr. carved this dark green serpentine bear and shite eyes.  It is a strong, serious bear and has a beautiful bundle an arrowhead bundled with heishi, turquoise, and coral.  

Size: 1.5" H x 2.25" L x 1" 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.