Zuni Fetish or Navajo Fetish: A Tale of Two Traditions in Native American Art

The world of Zuni Fetishes and Navajo Fetish carvings is rich with tradition, history, and artistic expression. While both the Zuni and Navajo have contributed to the art of fetish carving, there has been some debate and controversy over the differences between the two. However, a closer look reveals a shared history that has allowed the Zuni Fetish tradition to flourish, thanks in part to the efforts of Navajo Fetish carvers. Both traditions hold an important place in Native American culture, each with its own unique significance.

The Origins and Meaning of Fetish Carvings

A fetish is a small carving, typically representing an animal, imbued with spiritual power. In Native American culture, especially among the Zuni people, these carvings are believed to possess a spirit that can aid the owner in hunting, protection, healing, or guidance. Zuni Fetishes, in particular, have a long history of being used in rituals and ceremonies, with each animal representing a specific trait or power. For example, the bear is often associated with strength and healing, while the eagle symbolizes vision and clarity.

Traditionally, these Zuni Fetishes were kept within the Zuni Pueblo and used primarily for ceremonial purposes. They were not originally created for sale, but rather as spiritual tools to assist the Zuni people in their daily lives. These fetishes were often placed in Zuni Fetish pots, where they would receive offerings of cornmeal to sustain their spirits. Over time, the intricate craftsmanship and spiritual meaning behind these fetishes began to attract attention from outside the Pueblo, especially as Native American art started to gain prominence in the 20th century.

The Rise of Native American Art and the Role of the Navajo

During the 1970s and early 1980s, Native American art experienced a significant boom in popularity. Art collectors and galleries around the world began to show a deep interest in Zuni Fetishes and other forms of Native American art. However, during this time, only a few Zuni carvers were actively creating fetishes for commercial purposes. Most of the Zuni Fetishes being carved at the time were made for personal use within the Zuni Pueblo, rather than being sold to the public.

As demand for fetish carvings grew, the Navajo stepped in to fill the gap. Many Navajo Fetish carvers began creating their own versions of these spiritual carvings, allowing galleries to continue offering fetishes to collectors and enthusiasts. Far from simply copying the Zuni Fetish tradition, the Navajo artists brought their own unique style and interpretation to fetish carving, ensuring that the art form remained vibrant and accessible during a period when it could have faded from mainstream view.

Notable Navajo carvers, such as the Davis brothers, the Livingston family, David Yazzie, and Julia Norton, became well-known for their work during this time. These artists produced a large number of high-quality Navajo Fetish carvings, many of which found their way into galleries and private collections. Their work played a crucial role in keeping the tradition of fetish carving alive, even as the Zuni continued to focus on creating Zuni Fetishes primarily for their own ceremonial use.

Zuni vs. Navajo Fetish: A Controversy or a Shared Legacy?

The increased presence of Navajo Fetishes in galleries and collections during the 1970s and 1980s led to some controversy. Some critics claimed that the Navajo were merely copying the Zuni Fetish tradition, creating a market-driven version of what was originally a deeply spiritual and personal art form. However, this perspective overlooks the important role that the Navajo carvers played in sustaining interest in Zuni Fetishes during a time when few Zuni artists were carving for public sale.

In reality, the work of Navajo Fetish carvers helped keep the spirit of the Zuni Fetish alive. By continuing to create fetish carvings and offering them to the public, these artists ensured that the demand for Zuni Fetishes remained strong, paving the way for the eventual revival of Zuni carving in the early 1980s. By the time the Zuni carvers began producing fetishes for sale again, the public’s interest in fetish carvings had been sustained, thanks in large part to the efforts of Navajo carvers.

The Revival of Zuni Fetish Carving

In the early 1980s, Zuni Fetish carving experienced a revival, with many more Zuni artists taking up the craft. Today, there are over 600 active Zuni Fetish carvers, each bringing their own unique style and interpretation to the tradition. The revival of Zuni carving has led to a renewed interest in the spiritual and artistic aspects of Zuni Fetishes, with collectors and art enthusiasts around the world seeking out these sacred carvings.

Despite the resurgence of Zuni Fetish carving, Navajo Fetish carvers continue to play an important role in the world of fetish art. Many of the Navajo carvers who helped sustain the tradition in the 1970s and 1980s are still creating beautiful, high-quality carvings today. Their work stands alongside that of the Zuni carvers, showcasing the diverse and rich tradition of Native American fetish carving.

How to Tell the Difference Between Zuni and Navajo Fetishes

For collectors and enthusiasts, the question often arises: how can you tell the difference between a Zuni Fetish and a Navajo Fetish? While both types of carvings share similarities, there are certain characteristics that can help distinguish between the two.

1. Style and Detail: Zuni Fetishes are often known for their intricate detail and craftsmanship. Zuni carvers frequently use inlay techniques, adding tiny pieces of stone, shell, or coral to create eyes, markings, or other decorative elements. Navajo Fetishes, on the other hand, tend to be more simplistic in their design, focusing on the overall form of the animal rather than on intricate details.
2. Material: While both Zuni and Navajo artists use a variety of materials in their carvings, Zuni Fetishes are more likely to be made from traditional materials such as turquoise, jet, or serpentine. Navajo Fetish carvers often work with a wider range of stones, including marble, alabaster, and even fossilized materials.
3. Spiritual Symbols: Zuni Fetishes are deeply tied to Zuni spiritual beliefs and often include symbolic elements that represent the four cardinal directions, the earth, or the sky. Navajo Fetishes may also carry spiritual meaning, but their symbolism is often more focused on the connection between the carver and the animal being represented, rather than on specific spiritual beliefs tied to a particular tribe.
4. Carver’s Signature: Many Zuni Fetish carvers sign their pieces, making it easy to identify their work. In contrast, Navajo Fetish carvers are less likely to sign their carvings, although some well-known artists do. Knowing the names of prominent carvers from both tribes can help collectors identify the origin of a piece.

The Legacy of Zuni and Navajo Fetish Carvings

Today, the tradition of fetish carving remains strong among both the Zuni and Navajo peoples. Whether a carving is created by a Zuni artist or a Navajo artist, the deep spiritual connection between the carver and the animal represented in the fetish is evident in each piece. These carvings continue to hold spiritual significance for Native American communities, and their beauty and craftsmanship make them highly sought after by collectors around the world.

The legacy of both Zuni Fetish and Navajo Fetish carvings is one of collaboration and shared cultural preservation. While the Zuni are traditionally seen as the originators of the fetish carving tradition, the Navajo have played a vital role in keeping this art form alive and ensuring its survival during periods of change. Today, both Zuni and Navajo artists contribute to the rich tapestry of Native American art, each bringing their unique vision and interpretation to the ancient practice of fetish carving.

Jill Holmes: A Lifelong Connection to Native American Art and Fetish Carvings

Jill Holmes brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work in Native American art, thanks to her deep roots in the world of trading and collecting. Growing up in a family that has been involved in Native American art for four generations, Jill was immersed in the culture and traditions of Native American communities from a young age. Her great-grandparents began trading with local Native Americans in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the 1920s, establishing a family tradition that was passed down through her grandparents and other relatives. This upbringing gave Jill a firsthand understanding of the nuances and significance of Native American art, including Zuni Fetishes and Navajo Fetish carvings.

In the 1970s and 1980s, when the market for Native American art was growing, Jill was part of a family that was actively involved in buying, selling, and appraising authentic pieces from talented Native American artists. Living close to the Navajo Reservation and the Pueblos of New Mexico, Jill had the unique opportunity to witness the resurgence of Zuni Fetish carving and the role that Navajo Fetish carvers played in keeping the tradition alive during that critical period. Her extensive travels and personal connections with artists in the Southwest have given her insights into the historical shifts in the fetish carving market, as well as the evolving artistic practices of both Zuni and Navajo carvers.

Today, Jill continues to share her knowledge and passion for Native American art with collectors, ensuring that every piece she offers is authentic and handmade. Her personal experience, spanning over thirty years in the business, and her family’s rich history in the trade, make her a trusted expert on the subject of Zuni Fetishes and Navajo Fetishes. Her dedication to supporting local artists and preserving these traditions ensures that the legacy of this remarkable art form continues to thrive.

© 2024 Indian Summer Native American Art ~ Jill Holmes