HK Item #FH634

"Lumen"
Brandon Phillips, Zuni - horse fetish carving

"Lumen"
Brandon Phillips, Zuni
Horse Fetish Carving

FH634 - $54 plus s/h
(ONLY ONE AVAILABLE)

Zuni Horse Fetish Carving of alabaster by Brandon Phillips

material	alabaster, turquoise, Read about stones
length	2 3/8"
height	1 1/8"
width	1/2"
hallmarks	inscribed: BP
artist	Brandon Phillips, Zuni

About Native American authenticity.

Zuni Horse Fetish Carving of alabaster by Brandon Phillips

Eyes of turquoise.

Zuni Horse Fetish Carving of alabaster by Brandon Phillips

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What is an Animal Fetish?

A fetish is a carving of an animal that captures the spirit and the essence of the animal, not necessarily its exact detailed conformation. Fetishes are carved from many types of stone, wood, antler, shell and other materials. Often the eyes and spots of adornment, called power spots, inset pieces of contrasting stones such as turquoise, jet and coral.
Read more about fetishes.

About the Spirit of the Horse

The Horse Spirit inspires our dreams, awakens passion, carries us far and fast, and brings us close to our instinctual and authentic nature. Horse enables us to move beyond our limitations and run freely. Spirit or Medicine Horses were and are extremely helpful in guidance, healing, protection and ceremony. Horse represents wisdom, physical power and unearthly power. Horse enables healers to travel in Spirit energy, using Horse to help guide them to the answer. Horses are symbols that can express our magical side. Horses are also known as symbols of freedom and independence.

What is a Medicine Bundle?

Many fetishes have a medicine bundle, offering bundle, or adornment tied onto the animal that consists of turquoise nuggets, coral seed beads, shell heishi, feathers and other stone pieces. The bundle may be an offering to the fetish, to used evoke the spirit of the fetish or to increase the strength of a fetish.

About Alabaster Fetish Carvings

Alabaster is a soft, dense, fine-grained variety of gypsum (calcium sulfate) that is sometimes transluscent, streaked or mottled and often resembles white marble and onyx. It is also called Mexican onyx, Algerian onyx, Gibraltar stone and oriental alabaster, depending on where it was mined. It has historically been quarried in England, Italy, Algeria, Egypt, Iran, and Mexico. In the United States there are important sources in Colorado, Utah and Arizona.

Alabaster is prized by Zuni carvers for its smooth texture and subtle, luminous quality. Unlike harder stones, alabaster can be carved with flowing lines and gentle contours, giving animal fetishes a graceful, almost lifelike presence.

One of alabaster’s most distinctive features is its slight translucency. When polished, the stone can softly transmit light along edges and thinner areas, creating a warm, glowing effect that collectors often associate with higher-quality pieces. This natural glow sets alabaster apart from more opaque materials such as dolomite or marble.

Zuni artists frequently use alabaster for birds, bears, and other traditional forms, often adding turquoise inlay for eyes or symbolic accents. Because the stone is relatively soft, it allows for smooth finishes and rounded forms, though extremely fine incised detail is less common than in harder materials.

Alabaster fetishes are valued for their elegant simplicity and luminous appearance. Each piece reflects both the natural beauty of the stone and the individual style of the carver, making them a timeless addition to any collection of authentic Native American art.

Zuni Fetishes and Carvings
Types of Fetishes

Fetish Necklace

The use of small carved animals on Native American necklaces is a modern invention for the market. It is not traditional to use a fetish, per se, on a necklace or as jewelry.

Table Fetish

Table fetishes stand on a flat surface for viewing. They come in various scales with the 2-inch scale being the size most commonly sold today.

Pocket Fetish

A fetish can be carried when the power of the animal is desired to help the person with a routine task or an obstacle or problem. Pocket fetishes might help with safe travel, a successful venture or "hunt", a good yield or "crop".