The Three Goddesses

The Three Goddesses

Goddess Inspired Jewelry, Folk Art & Gifts

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February 15, 2005

The Fetish Story

What is a fetish? The word "fetish" can be broadly applied to a number of Native American ceremonial artifacts, including prayer sticks, calumets (peace pipes), medicine bags and so on. but today the word is most often used to mean an animal carving - usually a stone - which houses the spirit or supernatural qualities of that animal.

A Zuni Indian legend tells of ancient menacing creatures whose spirits were imprisoned in stone by a mysterious spell. The earliest known fetishes were pre-Columbian carvings of these fantastic or unrecognizable animals; as the centuries passed, carvers took to representing actual animals from the world around them, each with its own spirit or significance.

Across the continet, Native Americans of many tribes have used animal fetishes in prayers and ceremonies as talismans for successful hunting and fishing, procreation, agriculture, protection of the young, health and long life, and more. Fetishes may be personal or tribal in use.

Historians tell us that the smallest fetishes, which could be concealed in one's palm, came into popularity with the arrival of the Sapanish, who tried to suppress fetish worship. Today fetishes are carved in many sizes, styles and materials.

Who carves fetishes? While Native Americans of many tribes - from Eskimos to Navajos - carve and use fetishes, the Zuni carvers of western New Mexico are widely acknowledged to create the finest fetishes, and have extensively traded their work to other tribes. In the early part of this century fetish carving was nearly a lost art among the Zunis, and the number of carvers dwindled to a handful. This art form has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence and today numerous artisans have mastered the traditional techniques, employing a wider variety of materials than ever before. certain Zuni families are wel known for the distinctive designs and artistry in stone.

What kinds of stone are used in Zuni Fetishes? Traditional materials for fetishes include turquoise, jet, shell, pipestone, sandstone, alabaster and serpentine. Contemporary carvers have also learned to use amber, lapis lazuli, sugilite, azurite, slag glass and other non-traditional semi-precious stones.

Contrasting stones or other materials are often chosen for features such as eyes, horns, heartlines (which represent spirit essence) or for elements which can be placed on the animal's back as an offering to the spirit. Certain stones have been associated with individual qualities or earth elements. For example, turquoise can represent sky or water, and jet can be used to signify eternity.

What do the different animals represent? While it is important to recognize that each individual fetish has its own unique spirit, certain animal forms have traditionally held specific meanings. Here are some of the meanings symbolized by animal images:

Bear - Guardian of the West, healing at all levels, medicine, introspection, protection

Snake - Transformation, lightning, sexuality, feminine power & balance

Horned Toad - good luck

Frog - Fertility, bringer of rain, emotional cleansing

Coyote - Trickster, hunting, reminder of humor, deep introspection

Badger - Guardian of the South, strength, ferocity, protection, passion

Mountain Lion - Guardian of the North, passion, power, rage, protection, wisdom

Wolf - Guardian of the East, swiftness, protector of the family, loyalty, group facilitator

Eagle - Communicator with the Divine, aspiration, reaching new heights, the upper reaches

Mole - Guardian of the underworld, telepathic, grounding

Armadillo - Patience, conflict avoidance, tenacity at work

Beaver - Industriousness, guardian & facilitator of the emotions, skill

Buffalo - Provider of abundance, power, mysticism, love

Butterfly - Transformation, beauty, balance in fragility

Cat - Flexibility, communication, protector of psychic territory

Deer - Grace, love, acceptance in giving

Elk - Majesty, confidence, renewal

Fox - Clever, develop family ties, ability to blend in

Hawk - Communicator of divine messages

Horse - Guardian of travel, love, freedom

Hummingbird - Reminder of joy, instigator of love, fierce emotional protector

Lizard - Related to the element of fire, assists in dreams, relaxation

Otter - Playful, parenting skills, emotional facilitator, conflict resolution

Owl - Messenger of the night and the world of the dead, wisdom

Rabbit - Fertility, passivity, gentleness, getting out of bad situations

Raven - Mystical messenger, helps show the way, gives warnings

Turtle - Grounding, steadiness, peaceful protection, balance

Squirrel - Planning, reminder to be prepared, happiness, playfulness

The Zunis consider those things that are the least understood and most mysterious as the most sacred and powerful. because animal ways can never truly be understood by humans, animals represent unknown powers to the Zunis. As man tries to grasp forces which are beyond his immediate control, he looks to animal spirits as a bridge to the distant greater powers.

For additional information about fetishes, try the following books:

A Guide to Zuni Fetishes and Carvings, Volume I: The Animals and the Carvers. by Kent McManis (1995).

A Guide to Zuni Fetishes and Carvings, Volume II: The Materials and the Carvers, by Kent McManis (1998).

Zuni Fetishes: Using Native American Objects for Meditation, Reflection, and Insight, by Hal Zina Bennett, Ph.D. (1993).

Zuni Fetishes, by Frank Cushing.

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