Native American Zuni Snake Fetish Carving

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.

About the Symbol of the Snake

You'll probably never see snakes used in Navajo jewelry but they are often seen in Zuni jewelry.

The snake in some Native American tribes is considered to represent the same properties as lightning or the lightning arrow. They often have a similar visual form. The snake does not symbolize anything negative or treacherous. Rather, the snake represents abundant rainfall and fertility. Other tribes use the snake as a healing image or for swiftness in battle.

We here in Colorado live with snakes - they are part of the landscape and ecosystem. Since our climate is semi-arid, we welcome the abundant rainfall the snake might bring.

What is pipestone?

Pipestone, also known as catlinite, is a form of clay called argillite with a high iron content that colors it a deep red to pale orange. Pipestone was discovered in southwestern Minnesota by the Sioux Indians, who consider it a sacred material and use it to carve pipes and other ceremonial objects. It is easy to carve because of its lack of quartz. Read about stones