Zuni Pueblo Horned Toad Fetish By K. Chavez

Late 20th Century

.375" H x 1.5" L x .75" W

Hand Carved Made of Picasso Marble By K. Chavez Zuni Pueblo NM

Private Estate Collection

Excellent Condition

K. Chavez is a Zuni Pueblo carver specializing in fetish animals, many Zuni artists maintain low profiles focused on their craft. Related artists with the surname Chavez include David Chavez, known for carved wood horned toad fetishes, and Kenny Chavez, who works in sandstone for bear fetishes.

The horned toad (also known as a horny toad or lizard) is a potent symbol in Zuni lore, representing self-reliance, longevity, and the conservation of native bounty. It embodies resilience and the ability to thrive in harsh environments, much like the desert-dwelling creature itself. This fetish is thought to empower its owner with self-sufficiency, helping to overcome personal or communal challenges. In rituals, it might be used for protection against scarcity or to invoke endurance.