Zuni Fetishes

Zuni fetish carvings have been around for centuries.  Proud, yet humble people, the Pueblo Indians carved these powerful figures to help them in their daily lives.  While the Zuni fetish carvings you see on our website and others are considered Zuni fetishes, carved by accomplished artists such as Andres Quandelacy, Bremette Epaloose, Lena Boone, Ron Laahty, Ricky Laahty, Claudia Peina, Stewart Quandelacy, and Andres Quam, a true Zuni fetish does not leave the village and is blessed by a Shaman or Medicine Man and used by the carver himself or a special recipient.

Traditional Zuni Indian Fetishes had to be taken care of and were given offerings of cornmeal and kept in special turquoise encrusted fetish pots or pouches.  It is believed that the more respect you show your fetish carving, the more your fetish will give you in return. A soaring eagle fetish carving could deliver a prayer or message to the Divine, while bears, wolves, bison, mountain lions, and others could help ensure a plentiful hunt. The small offerings of stone and shell were added to the Zuni fetish carvings, believed to give them even more power to perform their specific duties. Horses and ravens have innate healing powers, while a Bobcat fetish carving is believed to have psychic abilities and know secrets!