Zuni Alabaster Bear Fetish Carving by Rickson Kallestewa

Early 21st Century
3" L x 1 1/2" W x 1 3/4" H
A Zuni bear fetish carved in hard alabaster, cream and pink-orange tones. From a very high-quality private Zuni fetish estate collection. A great example by Rickson Kalestewa, who has a very unique style of carving. In Zuni culture, bears represent healing, protection, wisdom and strength. Known to dig up medicinal roots from the ground, bears are excellent healers and, with their size, make impressive protectors. Zuni Bear fetish carvings are commonly carved and are very traditional.