Zuni Fetishes

At Zuni Fetishes, a sister site of Indian Summer Native American Art, we are honored to bring you authentic carvings that have been part of the Zuni culture for centuries. These sacred objects, traditionally made by Zuni artisans, are not only stunning works of art but also carry profound spiritual meanings. Our collection offers a wide variety of these intricate carvings, made from stone, shell, and other natural materials, which have been crafted by Zuni artists and cherished by collectors worldwide. For more details visit the Zuni Fetishes page at Indian Summer.

We have created a special version of the Zuni Fetishes And Their Characteristics page. It has a more in depth review and explanation of many different types of fetish carvings sold on our site.
Click here to view it: Zuni Fetishes And Their Characteristics

Or you can just hop on over to Indian Summer Native American Art and:

More informational pages on our site:

• The Sacred Zuni Fetish Pot and Its Spiritual Power
• Navajo Fetishes

Zuni fetishes are small carvings that represent animals, nature, and sacred symbols central to Zuni mythology and cosmology. Traditionally, these carvings have served ceremonial purposes within the Zuni community, embodying protective and healing powers. The Zuni people believe each animal holds unique spiritual significance. For example:

• Bear: Strength and introspection
• Eagle: Spiritual connection and vision
• Mountain Lion: Leadership and guardianship over all regions
• Wolf: Loyalty and guidance

The Zuni divide the world into six sacred directions: North, South, East, West, Above, and Below. Each of these directions is protected by a “Prey God” or guardian animal, with the yellow mountain lion as the guardian of all regions. These guardians serve as powerful symbols in both the spiritual and physical realms.

Zuni fetishes are not only spiritually powerful but also visually captivating. Historically, Zuni artisans used locally sourced materials, such as serpentine, turquoise, jet, and mother-of-pearl, to craft their pieces. These materials are believed to possess their own sacred powers. Today, Zuni artists continue to use these materials, as well as others sourced from around the world, to meet the growing aesthetic demands of collectors.

Our collection includes carvings in traditional materials as well as more contemporary creations featuring fossils, marble, and slag glass. Each piece is a unique reflection of the artist’s connection to both their heritage and the natural world.

Zuni fetishes have long been part of the Zuni way of life, passed down through generations. However, it’s only in modern times that these sacred carvings have been made available to collectors. While the true ceremonial fetishes remain within the Zuni village and are blessed by spiritual leaders, many renowned Zuni carvers create stunning pieces for the broader world to appreciate.

Among the many families known for their skill in carving are:

• The Cheama family
• The Leekya family
• The Quandelacy family
• The Lasiloo family
• The Yuni family
• The Gasper family
• The Lementino family
• The Chavez family
• The Tucson family
• The Banteah family
• The Panteah family
• and many many more … see our Indian Summer Native American Art’s Carver page for pictures of these carvers.

These artisans have developed their own distinct styles, whether adhering closely to traditional symbolism or exploring new forms in response to the evolving art world. At Zuni Fetishes, we proudly feature pieces from these and other talented Zuni carvers.

Explore our curated collection of authentic Zuni fetish carvings. Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual significance or the artistic beauty of these pieces, each one carries the legacy of the Zuni people and their deep connection to the natural and spiritual worlds.