Big Walking Bear

You can easily see this big, black bear walking through the forest, perhaps look for berries or it's favorite herbs.  It was made by Herbert Halate from jet with inlaid turquoise eyes.  The offering bundle is a beautiful turquoise.  "HHalate" and "Zuni" engraved on the bottom.  More about bears below.

Size: 1.5" H x 2.5" 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.