Delbert Charging Crow, Oglala Lakota

Delbert Charging Crow grew up on Pine Ridge Reservation in Wanblee, South Dakota. After completing dental school and worked as a lab technician specializing in dentures. When he had a dream in which his grandmother, Jennie Iron Road, told him to carve a buffalo, he switched careers and began carving animal fetishes full time.

Delbert says, "The Stone People have a lot to teach us if we listen to them and show them repect. If you hold your animal fetish in your hand and think about the changes you need in your surroundings and the ailments you struggle with in your body, mind and soul, your Aminal Spirit Helpers will aid you with these issues".

Utah Alabaster

Utah alabaster (salmon alabaster, tanslucent orange alabaster is best known for) its translucent orange hue, but it also comes in a wide range of colors, including yellow, gold, ivory, semi-white, green, red, peach, pink, salmon, and multicolor varieties. It is quarried primarily in the Cedar City area of Utah.

Rabbit Symbolism

Rabbit represents gentleness, charm, and awareness of others. Rabbit is the special guardian of pregnant women, enabling safe birthing and a long life for children. Rabbit also teaches how to handle fear by first acknowledging it and then letting go. Rabbit says to focus on the good in our lives, not the bad - instead of imagining negative "what-ifs", focus on positive "what is".

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.