Native American Zuni Frog Fetish Carving

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, fishrock is traditional. Read more about fetishes.

Frogs and turtles are some of the oldest and most commonly carved Zuni fetishes. Frogs are considered a major rain-bringing fetish so very important to the Zuni who live in an arid portion of the southwest US. Frogs also represent abundance and fertility. It is said that women become pregnant when a frog fetish is kept next to the bed - which can be a good thing or a surprise ! So be forewarned !

Black Marble - Most marble is compact limestone, 90% calcite or dolomite. The word "marble" derives from the Greek marmaros, "shining stone". The color varies from white to black, being sometimes yellow, red, and green, and frequently beautifully veined or clouded. Marble can be polished to a high lustre and has been used for architectural and ornamental purposes for centuries.
Read about stones.