Zuni Pueblo Figure Fetish By Marvelita Phillips

Late 20th/Early 21st Century

4.125" H Including Feather x 1.625" L x 2.25" W

Hand Carved from Antler with Inlaid Turquoise Eyes and Mouth with Turquoise, Neuoth Shell, Shell Bead and 1 Jet Bead Bundle

From a Private Colorado Collection

Excellent Condition

Marvelita Phillips is a renowned Zuni Pueblo artist specializing in traditional fetish carvings. Zuni fetishes are small, hand-carved representations (often animals, but also figures) believed to embody spiritual powers, healing, protection, or specific traits associated with the depicted subject. These are rooted in Zuni cultural and ceremonial traditions.

Zuni fetishes are small, hand-carved figures primarily made by artisans from the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. These carvings, most commonly depicting animals but sometimes human-like figures (such as Corn Maidens), hold deep cultural and spiritual significance in Zuni tradition. They represent the spirits of animals or beings believed to possess inherent powers, qualities, or protective abilities that can aid their owners in areas like healing, hunting, protection, or personal growth.