Hand Carved Zuni Fetishes
It is no accident that the Zuni are known for their carvings.  They have been known for their lapidary skills for hundreds of years. The materials were often stones found on or near the reservation, a connection to the land.  Now known for their hand carved fetishes and fetish necklaces of turquoise, jet, coral, bone, and shell representing animals such as bears, birds, foxes, and horses.

What is sometimes debated is the role of the Zuni fetish.  Each material, each animal, represents a spirit and meaning.  Some believe that carving Zuni fetishes evolved.  It is thought that certain stones had characteristics of animals that the carver would see in the raw stone.  The carver would then 'free' the spirit of the animal from the rock by carving it more in it's likeness. 

Most ceremonial Zuni fetishes were often 'fed' an offering or reward.  For instance, the wolf fetish was carried during a hunting.  When successful, the Zuni fetish would often be placed on or near the carcass as a 'thanks'.   

The spirit would often embody characteristics of the animal.  For instance, the frog is considered the spirit of rain.  You may, therefore, see a turquoise frog carved for abundant water.  The frog would be buried in the ground with hopes that it would bring rain.  There are four main animals, each representing one of the cardinal directions, and two other Kiva directions (up and down).  However, there are at least twenty others that represent the manifestation of the animals spirit.   

Of course, most fetishes carved today are for the purpose of art.  Though they differ little in appearance, the 'prayer' or 'blessing' is not done on pieces that are made for the commercial market.  When selecting a Zuni fetish, consider the following:
-- Do you wish to start a collection of types? 
-- Materials are important.  The harder the material the more difficult it is to carve.   
-- Which animals 'speak' to you? 
-- Consider the artist.  Some artists see animals in the stone and are capable of 'freeing' the figure much easier and with greater skill.