About Fetishes

"Indian fetishes are hand-carved objects which represent the spirits of animals or the forces of nature. From the earliest times in North America, the Indians have used fetishes in an effort to master the arbitrary and unpredictable forces beyond their control."

Did you know....

That the Zuni Indian tribe "developed a reputation for being the most skillful in carving elaborate fetishes...?"

Fetishes can be carved for a variety of reasons, including curing illness, personal protection and good luck in the hunt?

Fetishes can be carved from turquoise, coral, amber, dolomite, serpentine, jet or antler?

What do fetishes represent?

Eagle: Spirit, a connection of the divine

Deer: Gentleness, the power of gentleness

Bear: Strength, introspection, the power of the soul

Snake: Transmutation, life-death, rebirth

Turtle: Longevity, protector of children, a symbol of Mother Earth

Coyote: Trickster, laughter, humor

Wolf: Teacher, pathfinder on the never ending journey for survival

Mountain Lion: Leadership, resourcefulness

Beaver: Builder, strong sense of family and home

Fox: Camouflage, protection

Badger: Aggressiveness, perseverance

Horse: Along with the Raven, has the possession of healing powers

Frog: Fertility-Invokes the Spirits to provide rain in drought areas

Ram: Used to secure an increase in flocks

Buffalo: Endurance to overcome one's weakness

All information here was provided in a flyer from:

Gowen Arts of New Mexico

Plaza Don Luis

303 Romero NW 114N

Albuquerque, NM 87104

All quotes and "Did you know..." facts were taken from an article published in the Gowen Arts flyer. They credit Joe Douthill as the author from the Indian Arts and Crafts Association. 1