Zuni Fetish by Jeff Shetima, Turquoise Mtn. Lion with Micro Inlay, 4" Long

Description

Since 1982, Bryans Gallery has represented exceptional artistry of the Southwest and the Eight Northern Pueblos. We have estate and contemporary paintings, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, rugs and baskets. Some of the finest rare examples of Southwestern American Indian arts and craft can be found in our gallery, a brick and mortar building at 121 Kit Carson Road in Taos, New Mexico. Our staff is knowledgeable and friendly. We are known for our customer satisfaction.
Zuni fetish by master carver Jeff Shetima,
featuring Jeff's signature micro-inlay in
red coral, mother
of pearl
and onyx and double inlaid onyx and mother of pearl eyes.
Approx: 2 7/8" x 4" x 1".
Jeff Shetima, one of Zuni Pueblo's most collected fetish carvers, comes from a family of jewelry makers and silversmiths. He started creating jewelry and carvings when he was about 11 years old.  Jeff learned jewelry making from his parents and grandparents and learned carving techniques by observing his neighbors on Zuni Pueblo. The material for his first carvings were from a neighbor’s pile of scrap rocks.
During the last decade, Jeff has primarily focused on fetish carving, creating one-of-a-kind lifelike stone carvings, paying particular attention to detail on the faces. He also adds gemstone micro inlay designs to his carvings, which are the most distinguishing characteristics of his fetish art.
Jeff describes his carving as a process of seeking harmony. "Every stone that I hold in my hands must be in harmony with me before I start a carving. Only with good thoughts, energy and feelings will I proceed to carve. This helps ensure that the positive energy will be internalized in the finished carving.”
Corn Maidens are sometimes called Grandmother of Light or Grandmother of the Sun. The carvings represent the supernatural beings that emerged from the Middle World at the same time the Zuni people did. There are various stories about the Corn Maidens leaving and returning to the Zuni land. Corn Maidens are key elements in many of the Zuni celebrations and rituals. There are eight Corn Maidens; the Maiden of the West has a tray of blue corn, the Maiden of the East has white corn, the Maiden of the North carries yellow corn, the Maiden of the South has red corn, one Maiden carries black corn, and one Maiden carries multi-colored corn.
Fetishes and Their Meanings...
Armadillo
- Slow, sure, in no hurry, gets things right, keeper of the home
Badger
- Boldness, perseverance, individuality, “south”
Bat
- Guardian of the night, cleaner
Bear
- Strength, introspection, power of the soul, lightens emotional burdens, “west”
Beaver
- Builder, strong sense of family & home, Keeper of the waterways
Bobcat
- (Lynx) - Secrets, Clairvoyance, in tune with higher self
Buffalo
- Endurance to overcome, great emotional courage, provider of all
Coyote
- Trickster, associated with laughter, humor. Works well in a group
Deer
- Great power of gentleness
Dolphin
- Clairvoyance, trust, loyalty and the spirit of friendship
Eagle
- Creator, teacher, loyalty, great integrity, spirit connection to the divine. “Sky”
Elk
- Strength, agility and freedom
Fish
- Purifier, character, ability to hide emotions
Fox
- Camouflage, protection, ingenuity, quickness, great passion
Frog
- Cleansing, rainmaker, silently warns of danger, associated with abundance
Hawk
- Messenger of the sky, observer
Horned Toad
- Self-reliance, longevity, protects ancestral bounty
Horse
- Protector of the flocks, power, swiftness, strength, enlightenment, possesses healing powers
Hummingbird
- Messenger, stopper of time
Lizard
- Dreamer, conservation, agility
Mole
- Amplifies connection with the earth, protects the fields “underground”
Moose
- Headstrong, unstoppable, longevity
Mountain Lio
n
- Leadership, resourcefulness, great courage, high standards “north”
Mouse
- Timid, secretive, sneaky
Owl
- Clairvoyance, wisdom, patience, mental endurance, keeper of the night
Otter
- Laughter, curiosity, mischievous
Rabbit
- Virtue, serenity, quiet talent, restrained passion
Raccoon
- Bandit, shy resourceful
Ram
- Sense of self-worth, assures an increase in flocks.
Raven
- Magic, trickster, teacher, hoarder
Seal
- Family oriented, possesses power in numbers
Sheep
- Charity, elegance, passion, best at the arts, talents bring riches
Skunk
- Wary, conspicuous, intense
Snake
- Transmutation, life, death, rebirth
Squirrel
- Natural intelligence, saver, protects reserves
Swan
- Grace, ability to see the future, intuition
Turkey
- Smart, elusive, festive
Turtle
- Longevity, fertility, symbol of Mother Earth, home and reliability
Whale
- Record keeper, carrier of history, understanding
Wolf
- Teacher, family oriented, warm, deeply spiritual, pathfinder, “East”