"Solid"
HK Item #FT406
Patrick Begay, Navajo - Bison Fetish Carving

Buffalo or Bison?

The majestic animals that roamed the US plains by the millions were American bison or Plains bison. There are also similar bison that free range in Poland and other European countries. Bison have large humps at their shoulders, massive heads, beards and thick winter coats that they shed in the spring.

Bison are often erroneously called buffalo. In 1913 the Buffalo nickel (AKA Indian Head nickel) was struck. The coin's designer, James Earle Fraser, said he wanted to use a symbol of the American west and felt that "a North American Indian and a buffalo fitted into the picture perfectly." Technically, it should be called the bison nickel.

Buffalo live in South Asia (Water Buffalo) or Africa (Cape Buffalo). Buffalo have smooth, thin hair coats, no hump, no beard and have smaller heads but larger horns than a bison.

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.

Bison 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 Bison is a sign that prayers are being heard, that the sacred pipe and Spirit are being honored. Bison signals a time of abundance, prosperity and thankfulness.The medicine of Bison is prayer, gratitude and praise for that which has been received. Bison 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.

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.

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.

1 - Old and New

2 - How Fetishes are Made

3 - Animal Powers

4 - Uses

5 - Types of Fetishes 

6 - Six Directions

7 - Care and Feeding

8 - Habit Forming

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