Birds

Zuni carver, Herbert Halate, carved this raven for jet.  He detailed the feathers and inlaid turquoise eyes.  He gave it a turquoise offering for the bundle.

Size: 1.25" H x 4.25" L x .675" W

Ravens are powerfully intelligent birds that mate for life.  They have learned how to live with us in urban areas, as well as near bodies of water and forests.  Ravens feature prominently in many creation stories of Native American nations, including in the Pacific Northwest where they stole fire from the sun for humans to use.  Many people, including us, have had extraordinary experiences with ravens.

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 sweet, dolomite quail with inlaid turquoise eyes was carved by Derrick Kaamasee.  It has one wing stretched out and will hopefully remind you to also stretch your wing!  As with all of Derrick's carvings, this one is impeccably detailed. 

Size: 2.25" H x 2.5" L x 2.125" W

Quail are small peaceful birds that make the sweetest sound of three chirps.  The males and females take excellent care of their young.   They always bring us joy when we see them in the wild with their babies.

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.

Ruben Najera carved this tiny, graceful family of hummingbirds from antler with jet eyes.  Two of them are guarding the next with two antler eggs inside.  They are perched on wood.  Ruben's talent is amazing!

Size: 2.25" H x 1.675" L x .75" W

Hummingbirds are fierce defenders of their families.  Many Indigenous people consider them to be messengers between this world and the spirit world.  And, in some tribes they are considered to be “love medicine”.

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.

Zuni carver, Tim Lementino, carved these orthoceras and jet ravens who are bound together in their life-long love, devotion and commitment.  They have inlaid turquoise eyes.  He bound them together and put a turquoise bead on top of the bundle.

Size: .675" H x 1.25" L x .75" W

Ravens are powerfully intelligent birds that mate for life.  They have learned how to live with us in urban areas, as well as near bodies of water and forests.  Ravens feature prominently in many creation stories of Native American nations, including in the Pacific Northwest where they stole fire from the sun for humans to use.  Many people, including us, have had extraordinary experiences with ravens.

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 catlinite Mothering Owl was carved by Derrick Kaamasee.  As is true with all of his carvings, this one is intricately detailed.  The mama and baby have inlaid turquoise eyes.  The perfect gift for the nurturing mom or owl lover!  More about owls below.

Size: 3.125" H x 1.5" L x 1.25" W

Owls are birds of the night who fly silently with excellent vision.  They are predators who hunt at night and sleep during the day. They, as do most raptors, communicate between this world and the next.

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 Halate carved these wise owls from cedar.  Yes, they smell good!  The feathers and feet are well detailed and the eyes are inlaid turquoise.

Small: 2.375" x 2.875" L x 1.875" W

Medium: 3" H x 2.25" L x 1.75" W

Large: 3.75" H x 2.25" L x 2.25" W

Owls are birds of the night who fly silently with excellent vision.  They are predators who hunt at night and sleep during the day. They, as do most raptors, communicate between this world and the next.

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.

Zuni carver, Marvelita Phillips, carved this precious little owl from serpentine.  The eyes are inlaid turquoise.  So much wisdom in a small package!  More about owls below.

Size: 1.25" H x 1" Diameter

Owls are birds of the night who fly silently with excellent vision.  They are predators who hunt at night and sleep during the day. They, as do most raptors, communicate between this world and the next.

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.

Calvert Bowannie carved this Beautiful Magpie from marble and inlaid turquoise eyes and wing tips. 

Size: .875" H x 2.25" L x 1" W

Seeing a magpie in the early morning is a sign of something good coming your way. Birds are understood to be messengers between this world and the spirit world.

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.

Cheryl Beyuka carved this rain blessing bird from silverado jet which has a metallic sheen.  The eyes are inlaid red coral, and it wear a necklace of pearls, laps, red coral, turquoise, and Mother of Pearl.  There is enough space between the wings to place offerings of corn meal, tobacco, or whatever feels right to you.

Size: 1.5" H x 3" L x 1.875" W

Birds are seen as messengers between this world and the spirit world.

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 landing eagle was carved from Mother of Pearl by Carl Etsate.  It has inlaid turquoise eyes and the feathers are all detailed above and below.  It is landing on a rock and has a fish grasped in one of his claws.  Yay, lunch!

Size: .875" H x 1.875" L x 3" W

The eagle is the most sacred of all the raptors since it sees the furthest and flies the highest.  It is considered as a messenger to take our prayers to the Creator.  In Zuni Pueblo, eagles are also the guardians of the sky world. 

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 large Rain Blessings Bird was carved by Cheryl Beyuka from travertine and has inlaid coral eyes.  It's the largest rain bird we've ever seen Cheryl carve.  Coral, turquoise, lapis, and heishi make up the necklace offering.  The center is carved out with crushed turquoise inside.  "Cheryl Beyuka" and "Zuni Pueblo" are carved into the bottom. 

Size: 1.5" H x 5.875" L x 3" W

Birds are seen as messengers between this world and the spirit world.

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.

Brandon Phillips made this fluttering hummingbird from Mexican onyx and has inlaid turquoise eyes.  The beak is carved from Mother of Pearl.  More about hummingbirds below.

Size: 2.675" H x 1.675" L x .675" W

Hummingbirds are fierce defenders of their families.  Many Indigenous people consider them to be messengers between this world and the spirit world.  And, in some tribes they are considered to be “love medicine”.

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 sweet hummingbird was carved by Danette Laate from Picasso marble.  As with many of Danette's carvings, there is an inlaid Sunface on the front.  Around the Sunface are four inlaid turquoise dots.  Materials include Picasso marble, turquoise, jet, and coral.  More about hummingbirds below.

Size: 1.125" H x 1.125" L x .675" W

Hummingbirds are fierce defenders of their families.  Many Indigenous people consider them to be messengers between this world and the spirit world.  And, in some tribes they are considered to be “love medicine”.

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 graceful magpie has a red coral berry in its mouth.  Calvert Bowannie carved it from black marble and inlaid Mother of Pearl on its wings, and has inlaid turquoise eyes.  The tail is gracefully long with detailed feathers, as are the wings.  "CB" is carved under the feet.

Size: .975" H x 3.5" L x .675" W

Seeing a magpie in the early morning is a sign of something good coming your way. Birds are understood to be messengers between this world and the spirit world.

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.

You can almost hear this raven calling out in your favorite natural spot, whether at the bead, the woods, or the desert.  Derrick Kaamasee carved out of jet and inlaid turquoise eyes.  As always, he detailed the open beak and tongue, the feathers, and claws.  "Zuni" and Derrick's hallmark are carved into the bottom  More about ravens below.

Size: 3.25" H 3" L x 2.125" W

Ravens are powerfully intelligent birds that mate for life.  They have learned how to live with us in urban areas, as well as near bodies of water and forests.  Ravens feature prominently in many creation stories of Native American nations, including in the Pacific Northwest where they stole fire from the sun for humans to use.  Many people, including us, have had extraordinary experiences with ravens.

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.

You can almost hear this raven in your favorite natural spot, whether at the bead, the woods, or the desert. making that rumbling sound in the back of their throats.   Derrick Kaamasee carved it out of jet and inlaid turquoise eyes.  As always, he detailed the open beak and tongue, the feathers, and claws.  "Zuni" and Derrick's hallmark are carved into the bottom  More about ravens below.

Size: 2.25" H 2.25" L x 1.375" W

Ravens are powerfully intelligent birds that mate for life.  They have learned how to live with us in urban areas, as well as near bodies of water and forests.  Ravens feature prominently in many creation stories of Native American nations, including in the Pacific Northwest where they stole fire from the sun for humans to use.  Many people, including us, have had extraordinary experiences with ravens.

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.

Zuni carver, Derrick Kaamasee, carved this reflecting eagle from serpentine with turquoise eyes..  The eagle is resting its beak on the wing of its shoulder, perhaps reflecting on the prayers it heard in the morning.  As with all of Derrick's carvings, it has a detailed beak, head, feathers, and claws.  "Zuni" and Derricks symbol is carved into the bottom.

Size: 3" H x 1.5" L x 1.5" W

Raptors have many meanings in Native America.  The eagle is the most sacred since it sees the furthest and flies the highest.  It is considered as a messenger to take our prayers to the Creator.  In Zuni Pueblo, eagles are also the guardian of the sky world.  Hawks have a similar meaning, but not as powerful as the eagle.  For some Indigenous people, hawks are the smaller siblings of eagles.

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.

Derrick Kaamasee carved this forest eagle from green turquoise with golden brown matrix which reminded us of the forest.  As with all of Derrick's carvings, it has a detailed beak, head, feathers, and claws.  He inlaid red coral eyes.  "Zuni" and Derricks symbol is carved into the bottom.  More about eagles below.

Size: 2" H x 1.75" L x .675" W

Raptors have many meanings in Native America.  The eagle is the most sacred since it sees the furthest and flies the highest.  It is considered as a messenger to take our prayers to the Creator.  In Zuni Pueblo, eagles are also the guardian of the sky world.  Hawks have a similar meaning, but not as powerful as the eagle.  For some Indigenous people, hawks are the smaller siblings of eagles.

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.

It is easy to imagine this eagle casually perched at the top of a tree overlooking its domain.  With one wing relaxed and its beak resting on top it looks relaxed, yet prepared.  Derrick Kaamasee carved it from Picasso marble and inlaid turquoise eyes.  As with all of his carvings, the details is impeccable in the feathers, beak, claws and base.  Derrick's symbol and "Zuni" are etched into the bottom.  More about eagles below.

Size: 3.75" H x 1.25" L x 1.5" W

Raptors have many meanings in Native America.  The eagle is the most sacred since it sees the furthest and flies the highest.  It is considered as a messenger to take our prayers to the Creator.  In Zuni Pueblo, eagles are also the guardian of the sky world.  Hawks have a similar meaning, but not as powerful as the eagle.  For some Indigenous people, hawks are the smaller siblings of eagles.

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 lucky fishing eagle has its wing a bit stretched over the fish in its claws to make sure no one tries to take it.  Derrick carved it from green serpentine.  The eagle has inlaid turquoise eyes and the fish has inlaid red coral eyes. The beak and feathers are marvelously detailed, as are the claws and the base that it stand on.  Derrick's symbol and "Zuni" are etched into the bottom.  More about eagles below.

Size: 2.25" H x 2.25" L x .2" W

Raptors have many meanings in Native America.  The eagle is the most sacred since it sees the furthest and flies the highest.  It is considered as a messenger to take our prayers to the Creator.  In Zuni Pueblo, eagles are also the guardian of the sky world.  Hawks have a similar meaning, but not as powerful as the eagle.  For some Indigenous people, hawks are the smaller siblings of eagles.

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.

Bryston Bowannie created this Spotted Owl from shell and inlaid turquoise eyes.  The face and feathers are all detailed.  The offering bundle is a turquoise arrowhead with turquoise and heishi beads on top.  

Size: 1.5" H x 1.75" L x 2.25" W

Owls are birds of the night who fly silently with excellent vision.  They are predators who hunt at night and sleep during the day. They, as do most raptors, communicate between this world and the next.

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 five eagles in flight were carved by Lewis Malie from antler.  Each one has well detailed feathers, beaks, and eyes.  So graceful!

Size: 2.75" H x 2.25" L x 1.25" W

The eagle is the most sacred of all the raptors since it sees the furthest and flies the highest.  It is considered as a messenger to take our prayers to the Creator.  In Zuni Pueblo, eagles are also the guardians of the sky world. 

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 Golden Eagle was carved from Picasso marble by Calvert Bowannie.  It has inlaid turquoise eyes.  The tail and wing feathers are detailed.  It feels very, very good in the hand.

Size: 1.75" H x 1.5" L x .875" W

The eagle is the most sacred of all the raptors since it sees the furthest and flies the highest.  It is considered as a messenger to take our prayers to the Creator.  In Zuni Pueblo, eagles are also the guardians of the sky world. 

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 graceful magpie has a natural red coral berry in its mouth.  Calvert Bowannie carved it from black marble and inlaid Mother of Pearl on its wings, and it has inlaid turquoise eyes.  Its head is gracefully looking to one side. The tail is gracefully long with detailed feathers, as are the wings.  "CB" is carved under the feet.

Size: .1" H x 2.75" L x .75" W

Seeing a magpie in the early morning is a sign of something good coming your way. Birds are understood to be messengers between this world and the spirit world.

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.

Zuni carver, Tim Lementino, carved this marble raven from black marble and inlaid turquoise eyes.  It is happily in full flight!  Tim's initials are engraved on the bottom.

Size: .375" H x 1.5" L x 1.25" W

Ravens are powerfully intelligent birds that mate for life.  They have learned how to live with us in urban areas, as well as near bodies of water and forests.  Ravens feature prominently in many creation stories of Native American nations, including in the Pacific Northwest where they stole fire from the sun for humans to use.  Many people, including us, have had extraordinary experiences with ravens.

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 wise owl was carved by Christine Banteah from Zuni Pueblo.  The material is serpentine and it has inlaid turquoise and jet eyes.  The feathers, face, and feet are well detailed.  "CB" is engraved on the bottom.

Size: 1.25" H x .75" L x .75" W

Owls are birds of the night who fly silently with excellent vision.  They are predators who hunt at night and sleep during the day. They, as do most raptors, communicate between this world and the next.

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 golden bird by Carlos Tsattie is carved from shimmering gold lip Mother of Pearl.  One side is golden and the other side is white.  It has bright blue inlaid turquoise eyes and a natural red coral beak.  Signed on the bottom.  The details on the feathers are amazing!

Size: 1.125" H x 1.25" L x .25" W

This golden eagle has a very serious look on its face.  We suppose listening to so many prayers and taking them to the Creator is serious business, so we aren't surprised.  It was carved by Tim Lementino from Zuni Pueblo.  The materials are white marble, Picasso marble, and inlaid turquoise eyes.  Tim's initials are carved on the bottom.

Size: 1" H x 2.375" L x .875" W

Raptors have many meanings in Native America.  The eagle is the most sacred since it sees the furthest and flies the highest.  It is considered as a messenger to take our prayers to the Creator.  In Zuni Pueblo, eagles are also the guardian of the sky world.  Hawks have a similar meaning, but not as powerful as the eagle.  For some Indigenous people, hawks are the smaller siblings of eagles.

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 humorous owl by Lynette Laate has bright, big blue turquoise eyes with jet centers.  The body is shimmering Mother of Pearl.  Lynette did a meticulous carving job, detailing the feathers and feet, front and back.

Size: 1.25" H x .875" L x .125" W

Owls are birds of the night who fly silently with excellent vision.  They are predators who hunt at night and sleep during the day. They, as do most raptors, communicate between this world and the next.

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 soaring owl was carved from antler by Ethan Lowsayatee from Zuni Pueblo.  It has intricately detailed feathers, feet, and inlaid turquoise eyes.  It is attached to an antler base.  Inspirational!

Size: 4.125" H x 2" L x 1.125" W

Owls are birds of the night who fly silently with excellent vision.  They are predators who hunt at night and sleep during the day. They, as do most raptors, communicate between this world and the next.

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.