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!

Rainbow Calsilica - A beautiful multicolored stone chosen for carvings by Zuni artists. Some experts say it is a natural occurring stone from a mine in Chihuahua, Mexico. Others say it has to be man made because of its vibrant colors. We have done research on the subject and can not say which is true. What we do know, is that it is beautiful, eye-catching, and most importantly, Zuni artists choose to use the material for their carvings.
Read about stones.