HK Item #FB892

"The Whites"
Tim Lementino, Zuni - Bear Family Fetish Carving

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Authentic Native American turquoise bear Fetish carving by Zuni Tim Lementino

materials	alabaster, turquoise, pen shell heishi, Read about stones sinew (thread made from animal tendon)
length	1 3/4"
width	2"
height	1 3/8"
hallmarks	inscribed: TL
artist	Tim Lementino, Zuni

Tim Lementino's work is featured in Zuni Fetishes and Carvings by Kent McManis.

Authentic Native American turquoise bear Fetish carving by Zuni Tim Lementino

"The Whites"
Tim Lementino, Zuni
Bear Family Fetish Carving

FB892 - $130 plus s/h
(ONLY ONE AVAILABLE)

Authentic Native American turquoise bear Fetish carving by Zuni Tim Lementino

Inlaid turquoise eyes.

Authentic Native American turquoise bear Fetish carving by Zuni Tim Lementino

Medicine bundle of turquoise nuggets and pen shell heishi tied with sinew.

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See More Bear Carvings

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 a Medicine Bundle?

Many fetishes have a medicine bundle, offering bundle, or adornment tied onto the animal that consists of 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 TURQUOISE

Turquoise is associated with the sky, and bringing sky energy to earth. It is known as a master healer stone as it is believed to help speed the healing process. It is also thought that turquoise can help promote honest and clear communication from the heart.
Turquoise comes in all shades of blue, to blue-green and it is the natural variations in turquoise that make it appealing. The color of turquoise in American Indian jewelry ranges from brownish green to bright blue. Found in veins sandwiched in between layers of mother rock, turquoise can show some of the influence of the mother rock in its matrix or veining. The matrix colors range from blue to golden brown to black and sometimes with golden flecks. Many people prefer turquoise with matrix over clear stones. Read more about stones.

What is Pen Shell?

Pen shell, also called sea wing and fan mussel, shares characteristics with oysters, scallops, and mussels. Having the general shape of a mussel with two thin-walled, fan-shaped shells, the pen shell is typically long and tapered, somewhat triangular, like a flag or pennant from which it get its name. Pen shells can grow to more that twelve inches in length. The shells are various shades of black and reddish brown with colorful iridescent lining. Pen shells are common in shallow waters near seagrass beds and are usually found buried in the sand with only the upper portion of the shell exposed. Pen shell heishi is commonly used by Native American artists either by itself or as spacers with other materials such as turquoise, coral and spiny oyster.

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".