Zuni, New Mexico
19th century
Stone, turquoise
Length 4¾ in (12.1 cm)
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. The economy of form is consistent with 19th-century work produced within an active ceremonial context.
Among the Zuni, carved animal fetishes serve as vessels of spiritual power, the bear among the most significant and linked to healing and to the west among the directional guardians. The worn surface and reductive carving approach are characteristic of fetishes made for use rather than exchange. Provenance traces to the Santa Fe dealer Ray Dewey.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Zuni, New Mexico
19th century
Stone, turquoise
Length 4¾ in (12.1 cm)
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. The economy of form is consistent with 19th-century work produced within an active ceremonial context.
Among the Zuni, carved animal fetishes serve as vessels of spiritual power, the bear among the most significant and linked to healing and to the west among the directional guardians. The worn surface and reductive carving approach are characteristic of fetishes made for use rather than exchange. Provenance traces to the Santa Fe dealer Ray Dewey.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
