Hopi Pueblo Turtle Fetish By Nathan

Late 20th Century

1.5" H x 2.875" L x 2.625" W

Hand Carved with Etched Geometric Design on Shell

From a Private Colorado Collection

Excellent Condition

Turtle fetish is a small, hand-carved sculpture of a turtle (or tortoise) created by Zuni artisans from the Pueblo people of New Mexico. These are not traditional to Zuni culture but have become popular modern carvings, often made from stones like pipestone, marble, dolomite, onyx, or surfite, sometimes inlaid with turquoise or featuring etched heartlines (a spiral line representing the spirit's path). They are part of a broader tradition of Zuni fetishes—miniature animal figures believed to embody spiritual powers and serve as protective talismans.