"Call of the West"
HK Item #FT384
Ben Livingston, Navajo - Buffalo Fetish Carving

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Authentic Native American Navajo Buffalo Fetish Carving of alabaster by Ben Livingston

material	turquoise, Acoma jet, Read about stones
size	2 3/4" long 1 3/4" tall 7/8" wide
artist	Ben Livingston, Navajo

Authentic Native American Navajo Buffalo Fetish Carving of alabaster by Ben Livingston

Eyes and heart line of inlaid turquoise.

Authentic Native American Navajo Buffalo Fetish Carving of alabaster by Ben Livingston

Horns of Acoma jet.

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"Call of the West"
Ben Livingston - Navajo
Buffalo Fetish - #FT384

$76 plus s/h
(ONLY ONE AVAILABLE)

Authentic Native American Navajo Buffalo Fetish Carving of alabaster by Ben Livingston

Medicine bundle of feathers, turquoise and coral heishi.

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 turquoise, jet and coral.
Read more about fetishes.

What is a Medicine Bundle?

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

What Does a Heart Line Represent?

The heart line is a line etched, painted or inlaid along one or both sides of the animal. It usually extends from the mouth to the region of the heart. There are many interpretations as to what a heart line represents, but it is often said to represent the pathway of the breath of the animal to the life force which is the heart. Others feel that the heart line points to the soul of the animal. It is thought that a heart line gives the fetish healing or medicinal power.

INDIAN BUFFALO SYMBOLISM

Buffalo was the major source of sustenance for indigenous cultures of the plains, giving meat for food, hides for shelter and clothing, and Spirit Medicine. The appearance of Buffalo is a sign that prayers are being heard, that the sacred pipe and Spirit are being honored. Buffalo signals a time of abundance, prosperity and thankfulness.The medicine of Buffalo is prayer, gratitude and praise for that which has been received. Buffalo Medicine is also knowing that abundance is present when all relations are honored as sacred, and when gratitude is expressed to every living part of creation, recognizing the sacredness of every walk of life.

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 alabaster 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.

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".

Medicine Bag Fetish - A fetish can be transported in a medicine bag but it is said that only the mole is content in the darkness for long periods of time.