Authentic Native American Jewelry and Artifacts
Zuni and Navajo
BEAR FETISH 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. Although carved from many types of rock, fishrock is traditional. Read more about fetishes.

Many fetishes have a medicine bundle or adornment tied on the back of the horse that often consists of coral seed beads, shell heishi, feathers and other stone pieces. The style and detail of carving varies among artists but usually includes detail on the face, ears, tail and mane. Often the eyes and other spots of adornment on the horse are inset pieces of contrasting stones such as turquoise, coral and others. Read more about stones.

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.

Why do we have bear fetishes on Horsekeeping? Read The Story of the Midnight Bear.