Zuni and Navajo Animal Fetish Carvings
LIONS - WOLVES - BADGERS and more

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, fishrock is traditional. Read more about fetishes.

Many fetishes have a medicine bundle or adornment tied on the back that often consists of coral seed beads, shell heishi, feathers and other stone pieces. The style and detail of carving varies among artists but usually includes detail on the face, ears, tail and feet. Often the eyes and other spots of adornment on the horse are inset pieces of contrasting stones such as turquoise, coral and others. Read more about stones.

Zuni Fetishes and Carvings
Types of Fetishes

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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.