Native American Navajo Bear Fetish Carving

Tremendous power and style.

The Bear is one of the guardian animals of the Six Directions.

Carved and signed
by Navajo artist Julia Norton.

Intensity - Navajo Bear Fetish
$30 plus s/h (insurance included)

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What is a Fetish? A fetish is a rock carving of an animal that captures the spirit and the essence of the animal, not necessarily its exact detailed conformation. A double fetish represents relationship and unity. Read more about fetishes.

Bear. The bear is a symbol of strength and deliberate action, introspection, soul and insight for the past and the future. Many fetishes have a medicine bundle or adornment tied on the back of the animal that often consists of coral seed beads, shell heishi, feathers and other stone pieces. The style and detail of carving varies among artists but usually includes detail on the face, ears, and tail. Often the eyes and other spots of adornment on the horse are inset pieces of contrasting stones such as turquoise, coral and jet.

Jet (Acoma Jet). solid black type of lignite coal that is mined around the Acoma Pueblo region, thus the name Acoma Jet, or Jet for short. It is very popular for carving fetishes. It is also used for inlaying but usually not used in stone sets. Read more about stones.