zf000196
Regular price $90.00 Save $-90.00This old style bear fetish was carved by Bill Tsikewa, Sr. from Mexican onyx. He inlaid lapis eyes, and made a fabulous bundle of an abalone arrowhead bound with heishi, turquoise and coral beads. The Mexican onyx is translucent. It feels so good in the hand!
Size: 1.625 H x 2.625" L x .975" 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.