Navajo Horse Fetish By Maxine Martine

Late 20th Century

1" H x 1.375" L x .5" W

Hand Carved from Blue Azurite with Two Coral Eyes

In Very Good Condition

Maxine Martine (also spelled Martin in some references) is a Ramah Navajo (Diné) artist known for carving small stone animal fetishes. These are traditional Southwestern Native American carvings, often associated with Zuni-style fetishes even when made by Navajo artists. They depict animals believed to hold spiritual power or medicine (e.g., for protection, healing, strength, or guidance). Her works are typically small, detailed, hand-carved pieces from materials like turquoise, chrysocolla, azurite, or other stones, frequently with inlaid eyes (such as red coral) and signed.