Native American Navajo Buffalo Fetish Carving

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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. Although carved from many types of rock, Picasso marble is traditional. Read more about fetishes.

Buffalo ("Tatanka" in Lakota), represents prophesy and fulfillment of powers. Buffalo also represents the perseverence and ability to rise above one's weaknesses. Buffalo teaches that everything exists in abundance if it is respected and accepted with gratitude.

Heart Line. The heart line is a line etched, painted or inlaid along one or both sides of the animal. It usually extends from the mouth to the region of the heart. There are many interpretations as to what a heart line represents, but it is often said to represent the pathway of the breath of the animal to the life force which is the heart. Others feel that the heart line points to the soul of the animal. It is thought that a heart line gives the fetish healing or medicinal power.