Zuni Pueblo Badger Fetish

Late 20th Century

.75" H x 2.375" L x 1" W

Hand Carved from a Tan Stone with 2 Inlaid Coral Eyes, 10 Red Stone Beads, 4 Shell Beads, 1 Mother of Pearl Arrowhead and 1 Turquoise Stone Tied to His Back

Excellent Condition

Zuni Pueblo artists from New Mexico traditionally hand-carve small stone animal figures known as fetishes, believed to embody the spirit and powers of the depicted animal. These serve ceremonial purposes historically and are popular collectible art today.

The badger holds special significance as the guardian of the South in the Zuni directional system (one of six directions, each with a protective animal).