Navajo Yazzie Horse Fetish Necklace and Earring Set

Navajo Hand Carved
11- Horse Fetish Necklace with Matching Earrings
by David Yazzie

Jet horses with turquoise inlay eyes and blankets.

13 hand carved jet horse fetishes in all.
A stunning set.

Jet heishi in between the fetishes and to finish off the necklace.

Wonderful alone or to layer with
another fetish or silver necklace.

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.

Many fetishes have a medicine bundle or adornment tied on the back of the horse 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, tail and mane. Often the eyes and other spots of adornment on the horse are inset pieces of contrasting stones such as turquoise, coral and others.

The horse is an animal of freedom and the Horse Fetish has the power of healing, strength and safe movement.

Jet (Acoma Jet) is a 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.