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SKU: 22-1377

Zuni Pueblo Turtle Fetish By L. Guam

$45.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Late 20th Century

.375" H x 2.125" L x 1.625" W

Hand Carved from Pinkish Stone with 2 Inlaid Turquoise Eyes and a Square Etched Pattern on the Back of His Shell  

From a Private Colorado Collection

Excellent Condition

A Zuni Pueblo Turtle Fetish by L. Quam (often misread or truncated as "L. Guam") is a hand-carved spiritual object created by a member of the renowned Quam family of the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. In Zuni culture, the turtle is a sacred symbol representing longevity, protection, Mother Earth, and grounding. 

The name "L. Guam" is a reference to Launa Quam or Laura Quam, who are well-known carvers from the Quam family. The Quam family, including artists like Andrew, Laura, and Jayne Quam, often collaborates on pieces or shares a distinct family style characterized by smooth finishes and traditional materials. These fetishes are typically carved from natural materials such as serpentine, marble, white onyx, or mother of pearl. Authentic Quam turtles frequently feature turquoise inlays, such as spirit lines or "eyes," and may carry a "power bundle" of shell or stone on their backs.

Condition: Excellent

Tribe: Zuni

Year Range: 1975 - 2000

Region: Southwest

Dimensions: 0.38 in2.13 in1.63 in

Category: Turtles

Shipping

U.S. Shipping: One Flat Rate Per Order

Every U.S. order is packed in-house at our gallery and ships insured via USPS or UPS, with signature required on delivery. You pay one flat rate for the whole order, never per item:

  • Fetishes: $8
  • Jewelry & Pottery: $15
  • All other pieces: $20

Buying from more than one category? You only pay the highest rate in your cart, so eight fetishes and a pair of earrings ship together for just $15.

Oversized Pieces

Large or heavy pieces, such as big pottery, baskets, rugs and framed art, are custom-packed and shipped at actual cost. As a guide, that's anything needing a box larger than 12" × 12" × 12" or weighing over 5 lbs. At checkout, choose Oversized – Shipping Invoiced Separately and we'll email your shipping invoice, usually within 24 hours. Contact us for an estimate before you buy.

International

International orders are welcome! We quote international shipping separately and invoice the actual postage after purchase. Contact us beforehand if you'd like an estimate.