HK Item #FB840

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Bernard Laiwakete - Zuni Bear Fetish Carving

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Authentic Native American Bear Fetish of onyx by Zuni Bernard Laiwakete

material	onyx, mother of pearl, turquoise, spiny oyster, Read about stones; sinew (thread made from animal tendon)
length	2 5/8"
height	1 3/4"
width	5/8"
hallmarks	inscribed: B.L. Zuni
artist	Bernard Laiwakete, Zuni

Bernard Laiwakete's work is featured in Zuni Fetishes and Carvings by Kent McManis.

Authentic Native American Bear Fetish of onyx by Zuni Bernard Laiwakete

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"Root Beer"
Bernard Laiwakete - Zuni
Bear Fetish Carving

FB840 - $60 plus s/h
(ONLY ONE AVAILABLE)

Authentic Native American Bear Fetish of onyx by Zuni Bernard Laiwakete

Powerful medicine bundle with arrowhead of glistening mother of pearl, turquoise nuggets and a spiny oyster piece all tied with sinew.

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 double bear fetish Carving of fishrock and turquoise, jet and coral.
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 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".