Native American Zuni Horse Fetish Carving

On both sides there is a natural heart line right within the stone from the mouth to the tip of the arrowhead.

This is the first piece we have seen like this and that the Zuni artist, Bernard Laiwakete, incorporated the stone's natural feature into a powerful symbol makes a wonderful connection.

Beautiful flecking on mane, tail and forelock.

Inlaid brownish eyes.

This is a truly special fetish carving.

Laiwakete Zuni Horse Fetish
Natural Heart
$60

SOLD

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 of the horse 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 mane. 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.

The horse is an animal of freedom and the Horse Fetish has the power of healing, strength and safe movement.

Heart Line. 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.