Zuni Pueblo Bear Fetish By Brandon Phillips

20th Century

2.5" H x 1" L x 1.375" W

Hand Carved from a Red Stone with 2 Inlaid Turquoise Eyes and 5 Inlaid Turquoise Stone for a Necklace with Fine Etched Detail

From a Private Colorado Collection

Excellent Condition

Brandon Phillips is a contemporary Zuni fetish carver known for his detailed hand-carved pieces. He works with various materials, including Stone (e.g., sandstone, onyx, Picasso marble, alabaster), Wood (e.g., desert cedar) and often inlays turquoise for eyes, bundles, or decorative elements.

Zuni fetishes are small carvings traditionally made by artisans from the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. These animal figures, especially bears, hold cultural significance as spiritual objects representing strength, healing, protection, and self-knowledge. The bear is the Guardian of the West in Zuni tradition and is considered a powerful healing fetish, often used for physical and emotional well-being.