"Bison Spirit"
HK Item #FT416
Ben Livingston, Navajo - Bison Fetish Carving

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

material	alabaster, turquoise, coral, jet, Read about stones
size	2 7/8 " long 1 3/4" tall 7/8" wide
hallmark	none
artist	Ben Livingston, Navajo

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

Eyes and heartline of turquoise, coral tongue, Acoma jet horns.

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

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"Bison Spirit"
Ben Livingston, Navajo
Bison Fetish - #FT416

$72 plus s/h
(ONLY ONE AVAILABLE)

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

Medicince bundle of turquoise, coral, and white shell heishi with feathers.

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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.

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.

About Bison Spirit Medicine

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 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.

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".