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!

Turquoise - The birthstone of December, turquoise and is thought to bring good fortune, strength and helps overcome illness. The Navajo consider turquoise to appease the Wind Spirit. The Zuni believe blue turquoise is male and of the sky and green turquoise is female and of the earth.
Read about stones.