This spotted shell bear carving pendant was made by Zuni carver, Darrin Boone. The eyes are jet and the mouth is inlaid turquoise. On one side is an inlaid Sunface of red spiny oyster shell, turquoise, Mother of Pearl, and jet. The other side has a jet arrowhead. It is wrapped in sterling silver wire.
Size: 1" H x 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.