HK Item #FB1066

"Solid"
Farlan and Paulette Quam, Zuni
Bear Fetish Carving

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"Solid"
Farlan and Paulette Quam, Zuni
Bear Fetish Carving

FB1066 - $90 plus s/h
(ONLY ONE AVAILABLE)

materials	Picasso marble , turquoise, coral, shell heishi, Read about stones
height	1 1/4"
length	2 1/4"
width	1"
hallmarks	inscribed: F P Q
artist	Farlan and Paulette Quam, Zuni

Authentic Native American Picasso marble bear Fetish carving by Zuni Farlan and Paulette Quam

Medicine bundle of shell heishi, turquoise and coral.

See More Bear Carvings

Authentic Native American Picasso marble bear Fetish carving by Zuni Farlan and Paulette Quam

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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. Read more about fetishes.

Indian Bear Symbolism

Bear is considered the most powerful of all of the animals and is one of the most popular subjects of fetish carvers. Bear is a spiritual guide and represents strength and self-knowledge. He also has supernatural powers, great healing powers. Bear is a symbol deliberate action, introspection, soul and insight for the past and the future. The Bear is the guardian of the West an is one of the animals of the Six Directions.

What is Picasso Marble?

Picasso marble started out as type of limestone found in Utah. When the ocean covered Southern Utah, shells from tiny sea animals turned into limestone. Later, heat and pressure caused calcite in the limestone to recrystallize into marble. Minerals such as clay, mica, quartz, and iron oxides filled seams in the limestone to give the marble a wide variety of patterns and colors - tans, browns, greys, white and black. The name comes from the resemblance of the markings to the paintings of Pablo Picasso. It is perhaps the most popular rock among Zuni carvers, although it has only been used in Zuni since the 1980s.

Picasso marble is prized by Zuni carvers for its bold, natural patterning that can enhance the form of the figure. The flowing lines and contrasting patterns may suggest feathers, fur, or movement, adding visual interest without the need for heavy surface detailing.

Fetish carvings in Picasso marble are valued for their dramatic appearance and natural artistry. The bold veining ensures that each piece stands out, while still reflecting the skill and tradition of the Zuni carver who shaped it.

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.

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".