Native American Zuni Buffalo Fetish Carving

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, Picasso White marble is traditional. Read more about fetishes.

Buffalo ("Tatanka" in Lakota), represents prophesy and fulfillment of powers. Buffalo also represents the perseverence and ability to rise above one's weaknesses. Buffalo teaches that everything exists in abundance if it is respected and accepted with gratitude.

Pipestone, also known as catlinite, is a form of clay called argillite with a high iron content that colors it a deep red to pale orange. Pipestone was discovered in southwestern Minnesota by the Sioux Indians, who consider it a sacred material and use it to carve pipes and other ceremonial objects. It is easy to carve because of its lack of quartz. Read about stones