Sunny Bear

Zuni carver, Kenny Chavez, carved this sunny, yellow bear from Mexican onyx.  The lightening inlaid heartline is sterling silver, as are the eyes.  The stone is translucent with lovely bands of yellow.

Size: 1.125" H x 1.75" L x .25" 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.