Neil Thomas - Zuni
Animal Fetish Necklace
Each animal has a mate on the opposite side of the necklace which makes for wonderful symmetry and balance!
The centerpiece is a wonderful standing bear.
Length
| 29 1/2" |
Fetishes | 19 handcarved animals
that measure approximately 1 1/4" x 3/8" |
Stones | Turquoise,
Jet, Spiny Oyster, Gaspeite, Pipestone, Serpentine, Mother of Pearl and more with
Penn Shell heishi in between. |
Artist | Neil
Thomas, Zuni |
These animals have great detail, character and feeling.
The stones Thomas uses are exceptional and the colors are bright and vibrant.
Sterling silver cone clasps.
Animals include frogs, hummingbirds, bears, buffalo, cardinals, crows, fish and more.
Neil Thomas is one of the most celebrated stone and fetish carvers among the Zuni.
His work is unmistakable.
Neil
Thomas Zuni
Animal Fetish Necklace
$105
plus s/h (insurance included)
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.
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.