About Acoma Jet

Acoma jet is a solid, durable type of lignite coal that originated from wood material. It is mined around the Acoma Pueblo region, among other places, thus the name Acoma Jet. It is very popular with Indian artists for carving fetishes. It is also used for inlaying jewelry but usually is not used in jewelry stone sets. Jet is typically very lightweight and it is sometimes mistaken for plastic. Read about stones.

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 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.