"Picasso"
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"Picasso" #FC582
- $62 plus s/h |
Inlaid sunface on Badger's back. | ||||||||
Turquoise eyes and power spots. | |||||||||
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. | |||||||||
Badger SymbolismBadger represents good work ethic, caution, healing and protection. Pueblo tribes associate Badger with the color red and the South guardian of the six directions. |
About Sunface Symbolism
The symbol's round shape depicts the Sun with a forehead split down the middle to reflect the eternal balance between sunrise and sunset. The two sections of the forehead are typically turquoise and coral. The lower part of the Sunface is mother of pearl with rectangular eyes and round mouth of jet. Bordering the face is a circle of feathers, usually of mother of pearl and jet or coral. |
What is Picasso Marble?Picasso marble started out as type of limestone found in Utah. When the ocean covered Southern Utah, shells from tiny sea animals turned into limestone. Later, heat and pressure caused calcite in the limestone to recrystallize into marble. Minerals such as clay, mica, quartz, and iron oxides filled seams in the limestone to give the marble a wide variety of patterns and colors - tans, browns, greys, white and black. The name comes from the resemblance of the markings to the paintings of Pablo Picasso. It is perhaps the most popular rock among Zuni carvers, although it has only been used in Zuni since the 1980s. Picasso marble is prized by Zuni carvers for its bold, natural patterning that can enhance the form of the figure. The flowing lines and contrasting patterns may suggest feathers, fur, or movement, adding visual interest without the need for heavy surface detailing. Fetish carvings
in Picasso marble are valued for their dramatic appearance and natural
artistry. The bold veining ensures that each piece stands out, while
still reflecting the skill and tradition of the Zuni carver who shaped it. |
Zuni
Fetishes and Carvings |
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5 - Types of Fetishes
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The
Sunface is found throughout Zuni art, from jewelry to weavings to pottery. It
represents the sunlight and warmth that makes life and growth possible and brings
playfulness and joy to children and good fortune and prosperity to families. The
center of the circle represents the face of the Sun Father. 
