Bears

This smiling bear was made from turquoise with jet eyes and smile by Zuni carver, Claudia Peina.  She inlaid six red coral stones on the body and jet claws.  Just because this bear is smiling doesn't mean it isn't powerful.  A sterling silver bale is on top of its head to be worn or hung.  More about bears below.

Size: 2.5" H x .875" L x .375" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.1

What a sweet collection of tiny fetish carvings!  The green serpentine bear was carved by Della Haloo and has inlaid turquoise eyes.  The bear with the arrowhead bundle on top was carved by Gabe Burns.  The two beavers were carved from Picasso Marble and have inlaid turquoise eyes and were carved by Angel Yatsatte.  They are all under 1" in diameter.  More about bears and beavers below

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

As we well know, beavers are very industrious creatures.  They cut down trees with their teeth and drag them to the water to make their dens.  They are creatures of the land and the water who have devised a way to birth their babies under water but still stay dry.  Put this carving where you will see it if you would like to be inspired to mobilized to action.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

These tiny bears were carved by Gabe Burns (top) and Antonio Duran (bottom).  Antonio's bears were carved from jasper and have inlaid jet eyes.  Gabe's bears are carved from serpentine and each has an offering bundle of a handmade arrowhead.  They would fit perfectly in a small pouch with a pinch of cornmeal to keep them fed and happy!  More about bears below.

Size: the tallest bear is .675" H and the longest bear is 1.25" L

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This chubby black bear seems well fed and ready for winter.  It was carved from shiny jet by Cheryl Beyuka with inlaid turquoise eyes.  The beautiful offering bundle has turquoise, red coral, fresh water pearls, onyx, and hematite beads.  Signed on the bottom.  More about bears below.

Size: 1.125" H x 2" L x .75" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This bold bear was carved Bernard Laiwakete from red marble.  It has three turquoise heartlines from its mouth to its heart.  Its eyes are inlaid turquoise.  It feels very good in the hand.  More about bears below.

Size: 2.5" H x 2.25" L x .5" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

Everett Pino carved this bear from serpentine, also called "fish rock".  It has an inlaid jet heartline which indicates the spirit moving to the heart.  He wrapped it in sterling silver to wear as a pendant.  More about bears below.

Size: 1.5" H x 2.25" L x .25" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

This family of five while onyx bears were carved by Tim Lementino.  They are bundled together with their love for one another.  Each one has inlaid turquoise eyes and an offering bundle of turquoise and heishi beads.  "TL" engraved on the bottom.

Size: 1.5" H x 2" L x 2" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This blended bear family was carved from white alabaster and jasper by Ed Lementino.  The white stone is beautiful, and luminous.  The eyes are inlaid jet, and the offering bundle has heishi, coral, and turquoise nugget beads.  The baby on top leans slightly as if it is yearning to see something that it can't quite make out.  What a sweet family!

Size: 1.75" H x 1.75" L x .875" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This universal bear was carved by husband and wife team, Lynn and Jayne Quam.  They joined their talents to create this amazing bear.  Of course the following observations are subjective, but what we see on one side is the moon, star, a curve that could be a shooting star, land, and other elements.  On the other side is a Sunface, representing the sun, which is inlaid turquoise and jet, along with eight inlaid dots around the Sunface.  The stones inlaid on the other side include chrysocolla, azurite, Mexican onyx, lemon serpentine, abalone, spiny oyster shell, catlinite, and turquoise.  Signed "Lynn Jayne Quam" on the bottom.  Superb!

Size: 3.25" H x 4.675" L x .875" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This chubby little bear was carved by Ed Lementino from dyed howlite.  We love the dark gray matrix.  It looks like it will definitely survive a long cold winter!  Perfect for a little leather bag to go with you everywhere.

Size: .75" H x 1.5" L x .675" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This little long bear was carved by Ed Lementino from dyed howlite.  We love the dark gray matrix.  Perfect for a little leather bag to go with you everywhere.

Size: .875" H x 1.675" L x .5" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This black eyed white bear has a very sweet face with inlaid jet eyes  It was carved from cream colored serpentine with faint gray matrix by Cheryl Beyuka.  The colorful offering bundle includes hermatite, clam shell, turquoise, and coral. 

Size: 1" H x 1.5" L x .5" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This little nugget bear was carved by Ed Lementino from dyed howlite.  We love the dark gray matrix.  Perfect for a little leather bag to go with you everywhere.

Size: .675" H x 1.25" L x .675" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This Beautiful Bear was carved by Alex Tsethlikai from Mexican onyx with inlaid turquoise eyes.  Its face, paws, and tail are all detailed.  The offering bundle is a long, narrow azurite and malachite arrowhead with heishi and beads on top.  It feels good in the hand!  More about bears below.

Size: 1.375" H x 2.5" L x .675" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

Bears are known for their hunting prowess and this one looks like it caught the sight of its next snack.  It is carved from an unusual slice of Mexican onyx and has inlaid turquoise eyes.  The offering bundle is a red arrowhead with turquoise and blue beads on top.  Its face, tail, and paws are detailed.  

Size: 1.375" H x 2.75" L x .375" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This bear by Zuni carver, Alex Tsethlikai, feels very good in the hand, very strong.  It is carved from Mexican onyx and has inlaid turquoise eyes.  The offering bundle is a midnight blue arrowhead with turquoise and red beads on top.  Its face, tail, and paws are detailed.  

Size: 1.25" H x 2.675" L x .5" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This bear appears to be laughing out loud with its big open mouth while strolling along.  Carved from catlinite by Derrick Kaamasee, it has inlaid turquoise eyes with detailed fur all the way around.  Its paws are also detailed and one paw is lifted up as if it is strolling.  Derrick's initials and "Zuni" are carved into the bottom.

Size: 1.25" H x 1.25" L x .675" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

Bernard Laiwekete carved this wild looking bear from bowlerite, which is recycled bowling balls.  He inlaid turquoise eyes, and a double heartline.  The "stone" is highly dimensional on both sides and it would be easy to get lost in the layers!  "BL" and "Zuni" carved into bottom

Size: 1.375" H x 3.25" L x 1" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This family of five while marble bears were carved by Tim Lementino.  Each one has inlaid turquoise eyes and an offering bundle of turquoise and heishi beads. 

Size: 1.125" H x 1.5" L x 1.25" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

Herbert Halata carved this big walking bear from marble.  It has inlaid turquoise eyes and detailed face, paws, and fur.  The offering bundle is a long, narrow turquoise.  It feels so good in the hand, very strong.

Size: 3.75" L x 1.25" H x 1.25" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This little moss green serpentine bear was carved by Craig Haloo.  He inlaid turquoise eyes and an offering bundle.  It stands on an arrowhead carved from catlinite.  Its nose is lifted...does it smell something delicious?  More about bears below.

Size: .75" H x 1" L x .875" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This big happy alabaster bear is holding a pot with a flower engraved on the front by Rickson Kallestewa.  It has inlaid jet eyes, nose, mouth, and claws, and a jet arrowhead offering bundle.  As with all of Rickson's carvings, the back, legs and face have well rounded curves.  It has been well loved for many years in the personal collection of the owner of Gathering Tribes.

Size: 4.75" H x 2.5" L x 1.675" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.