19th century
Stone, turquoise
Length 4 3/4 inches
Provenance: Ray Dewey, Santa Fe, New Mexico
A Zuni stone fetish carved in the form of a bear, the body reduced to a few broad planes with an arched back and short blunt legs. The eyes are set with inlaid natural turquoise, and the stone has taken on a well used patina from age and handling.
Among the Zuni, carved animal fetishes serve as vessels of spiritual power, the bear among the most important of them and linked to healing and to the west among the directional guardians. The economy of the carving and the worn surface are consistent with nineteenth century work. Provenance traces to the Santa Fe dealer Ray Dewey.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
19th century
Stone, turquoise
Length 4 3/4 inches
Provenance: Ray Dewey, Santa Fe, New Mexico
A Zuni stone fetish carved in the form of a bear, the body reduced to a few broad planes with an arched back and short blunt legs. The eyes are set with inlaid natural turquoise, and the stone has taken on a well used patina from age and handling.
Among the Zuni, carved animal fetishes serve as vessels of spiritual power, the bear among the most important of them and linked to healing and to the west among the directional guardians. The economy of the carving and the worn surface are consistent with nineteenth century work. Provenance traces to the Santa Fe dealer Ray Dewey.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
