Zuni Pueblo Bear Fetish

Late 20th Century

1.375" H x 2.5" L x .5" W

Hand Carved from Stone with Inlaid Turquoise Heartline and 2 Turquoise Eyes

From a Private Colorado Collection

Excellent Condition

Zuni Pueblo Bear Fetishes are small stone carvings traditionally made by artisans from the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. These fetishes represent animal spirits and hold deep cultural and spiritual significance in Zuni tradition.

The bear fetish (known as Anshe in Zuni) stands out as one of the most common and powerful. Bears rank as the principal animal for Pueblo peoples and serve as the Guardian of the West in the Zuni system of six directional guardians (along with mountain lion for North, badger for South, wolf for East, eagle for above, and mole for below).