Zuni Pueblo Animal Fetish Carvings

Animal carvings or “Fetishes” are a traditional Native American art form that has been revered by people since prehistoric times. The Zuni Pueblo people are the most prolific and well known of the fetish carvers, though many other Native people also carve animal forms. The traditional animals that have been carved for centuries include mt. lions, bears, badgers, wolves, eagles, and moles. Today many other types animals are carved. Each of the animals offers a certain “power” or “medicine” and can be powerful totems. Fetish animals are carved of many different stones and minerals. Currently, there are a few artists that are using Cerrillos Turquoise to carve magnificent little animals. These animal carvings are collected and revered the world over and make wonderful gifts.

A fetish is a Native American carving believed to have special power. Many Native American tribes create and use fetishes of which the most renowned fetish carvers are the Zuni tribe, who call themselves Asiwi (Ah-she-wee). A Zuni fetish, or wemawe, is a carved object of an animal or revered god.

Zuni fetishes have been used for many purposes: to enable hunters to catch game, to make game more plentiful, and also for curing ceremonies. Fetishes may protect individuals as well as the community. The Zuni also believe that both practical and spiritual power reside in their fetishes.

Please see our Animal Carvings page to see what wonderful creatures we have in the gallery!

TRADING BIRD - GYPSY GEM

The source for rare Cerrillos Turquoise.

The Trading Bird and the Gypsy Gem galleries are located in the historic mining town of Madrid, New Mexico. The source for rare Cerrillos Turquoise, original Peaker jewelry designs by owner and turquoise miner Riana Newman Peaker and a great selection of Santo Domingo Pueblo jewelry, mosaic overlay, Mata Ortiz Pottery, Pueblo Pottery and Zuni Fetishes.

Trading Bird | 2868 Hwy 14, Madrid, New Mexico 87010