A
fetish is an object, natural or man made, in which a spirit is thought
to reside and which can be used to effect either good or evil. (see
the book "The Fetish Carvers of Zuni" pg. 15) Fetishes
have been carved out of stone and shell since prehistoric times
and were always very simply done. It has been in about the
last 80 years that fetishes were more realisticly carved. The most
famous of those early carvers were Leekya Deyuse and Teddy Weahkee.
Their descendants have carried on their fine tradition of carving
and many other families of excellent carvers are now creating wonderful
fetishes. The Zunis and those who buy fetishes continue to use them
for many purposes. It is believed that a bear, especially
a white bear is very powerful as a healing tool. A hunting
fetish such as a
mountain lion might be carried to help a hunter to catch game.
It is believed that a frog can be used for fertility and to invite
rain. Hoel's Indian Shop will always select and sell unusual
Zuni fetishes and will continue to update our web site as new fetishes
are purchased.
A
fetish is an object, natural or man made, in which a spirit is thought
to reside and which can be used to effect either good or evil. (see
the book "The Fetish Carvers of Zuni" pg. 15) Fetishes
have been carved out of stone and shell since prehistoric times
and were always very simply done. It has been in about the
last 80 years that fetishes were more realisticly carved. The most
famous of those early carvers were Leekya Deyuse and Teddy Weahkee.
Their descendants have carried on their fine tradition of carving
and many other families of excellent carvers are now creating wonderful
fetishes. The Zunis and those who buy fetishes continue to use them
for many purposes. It is believed that a bear, especially
a white bear is very powerful as a healing tool. A hunting
fetish such as 
a
mountain lion might be carried to help a hunter to catch game.
It is believed that a frog can be used for fertility and to invite
rain. Hoel's Indian Shop will always select and sell unusual
Zuni fetishes and will continue to update our web site as new fetishes
are purchased.
