Orating Bear

This Orating Bear appears to be lecturing on something to a crowd...perhaps the best ways to locate berry bushes in the Spring?  It was carved from fossilized walrus ivory and has been well loved in the collection of the owner of Gathering Tribes for many years.  Unfortunately, she can't remember who carved it.  It has expressive inlaid turquoise eyes and well detailed mouth, nose, and paws.  The offering bundle has red coral and turquoise.

Size: 1.375" H x .75" 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.