Reptiles

This alabaster snake was carved by Carl Etsate.  The scales are impeccably detailed, and it has inlaid green Mojave turquoise and catlinite dots along the back.  It also has inlaid turquoise eyes, and it is sticking it tongue, made of wood, out of its mouth to smell its surroundings.

Size: .5" H x 3.5" L x 1" W

Snakes are strong, agile, and fast.  Sinuous in their movements, they are only seen when they want to be seen.   They remind us to be flexible no matter what is happening around us, to be aware, and ready to move when necessary. They shed their skins as they grow without sentiment for what they leave behind. 

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 catlinite frog with turquoise eyes appears intent on something.  We figure it is intently calling the rain.  It is well detailed with its little toes and legs!  It was in a collection of carvings from fifteen years ago that we rediscovered during our move this year. Unfortunately, the tag with the name of the carver disappeared long ago.

Size: .375" H x .875" L x .75" W

Frogs begin life in the water as tadpoles, grow legs and, afterward can be on land or lily pads.  They go through a profound transition and are related to water and land.  Female frogs lay many eggs at once and are associated with fertility.  The frogs are known to sing before the rains come in Zuni Pueblo.  During droughts people will bury frog carvings in the Earth to invite the rain to come.

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 horned toad was carved by Kent Banteah from serpentine.  It has blue eyes and is well detailed all over!  It crouches on a base of alabaster.  It's a bit rough, but very charming.

Size: .375" H x 1.5" L x 1" W, Base is .25" H x 1.875" L x 1.125" W

Horned toads are thorny lizards with a fat body and very short tail.  If they feel attacked they can puff up to look bigger and their spiky scales can make them look like too much work to eat.  They can also shoot blood out of their eyes up to 5 feet when threatened.  If you are looking for something to symbolize nonviolent protection, the horned toad may do the trick!

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 chunky catlinite horned toad was carved by Gilbert Lonjose.  It has been keeping the garden the free from insects which gave it its wide girth.  It is very detailed and feels very good in the hand!  It has been well loved for many years in the personal collection of the owner of Gathering Tribes.

Size: .75" H x 2.25" L x 1.5" W

Horned toads are thorny lizards with a fat body and very short tail.  If they feel attacked they can puff up to look bigger and their spiky scales can make them look like too much work to eat.  They can also shoot blood out of their eyes up to 5 feet when threatened.  If you are looking for something to symbolize nonviolent protection, the horned toad may do the trick!

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 Curious Snake has its head up to see what is going on in its world.  Carved from serpentine, it has inlaid turquoise eyes with amazingly detailed scales.  It is curled around what looks like a rock that is also detailed.  Michael inscribed his name on the bottom.  More about snakes below.

Size: 1.125" H x 2" L x 1.875" W

Snakes are strong, agile, and fast.  Sinuous in their movements, they are only seen when they want to be seen.   They remind us to be flexible no matter what is happening around us, to be aware, and ready to move when necessary. They shed their skins as they grow without sentiment for what they leave behind. 

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, Phyllis Panteah, carved this fancy frog from marble and inlaid gold lip Mother of Pearl eyes.  The colorful raindrops are inlaid sugilite, turquoise, coral, and lapis.  There are subtle, intricate etchings on the back.

Size: 1" H x 1.875" L x 1.5" W

Frogs begin life in the water as tadpoles, grow legs and are able to be on land or lily pads.  They go through a profound transition and are related to water and land.  Female frogs lay many eggs at once and are associated with fertility.  The frogs are known to sing before the rains come in Zuni Pueblo.  During droughts people will bury frog carvings in the Earth to invite the rain to come.

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.

Kent Banteah carved this fat little horned toad on a leave from two different shades of Picasso marble and inlaid turquoise eyes.  The many details include the cute little face, scales, feet, and "horns", as well s lines in the leaf.  What a cutie!

Size: 1.5" H x 2.25" L x 1.875" W

Horned toads are thorny lizards with a fat body and very short tail.  If they feel attacked they can puff up to look bigger and their spiky scales can make them look like too much work to eat.  They can  also shoot blood out of their eyes up to 5 feet when threatened.  If you are looking for something to symbolize nonviolent protection, the horned toad may do the trick!

Lizards are associated with fire and dreaming in some Indigenous traditions.  We’ve heard stories of lizards crawling out of ceremonial fires that have been lit for hours.  And, it’s no surprise that they are also associated with dreaming since they are often seen basking in the sun with their eyes closed.  They are one of the reptiles that shed their skins, and some also associate them with the good medicine of making necessary change.

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 blue-eyed frog was carved by Kent Banteah from Zuni Pueblo.  It is carved from Picasso Marble and the skin, face, feet, and leaf are all detailed.  More about frogs below

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

Frogs begin life in the water as tadpoles, grow legs and are able to be on land or lily pads.  They go through a profound transition and are related to water and land.  Female frogs lay many eggs at once and are associated with fertility.  The frogs are known to sing before the rains come in Zuni Pueblo.  During droughts people will bury frog carvings in the Earth to invite the rain to come.

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.

Danette Laate carved this frog from shimmering mother of pearl and inlaid turquoise eyes.  It has a Sunface on its back with inlaid red coral, turquoise, and jet.  It also has four turquoise dots in the cardinal points around the Sunface.

Size: .375" H x 1" L x 1" W

Frogs begin life in the water as tadpoles, grow legs and, afterward can be on land or lily pads.  They go through a profound transition and are related to water and land.  Female frogs lay many eggs at once and are associated with fertility.  The frogs are known to sing before the rains come in Zuni Pueblo.  During droughts people will bury frog carvings in the Earth to invite the rain to come.

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, Rick Quam, carved this funny little frog from lemon serpentine and inlaid turquoise eyes.  The offering bundle is a Mother of Pearl arrowhead with black and white stones on top.  It definately makes us smile whenever we look at it!  "R Q" is engraved on the bottom.

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

Frogs begin life in the water as tadpoles, grow legs and are able to be on land or lily pads.  They go through a profound transition and are related to water and land.  Female frogs lay many eggs at once and are associated with fertility.  The frogs are known to sing before the rains come in Zuni Pueblo.  During droughts people will bury frog carvings in the Earth to invite the rain to come.

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 serpentine frog was made my Marilyn Quam.  It has inlaid turquoise eyes and three turquoise dots inlaid on its back.  It also has a hole in the center so it can be strung for a necklace or earrings! 

Size: .25" H x 1" L x .5 W

Frogs begin life in the water as tadpoles, grow legs and, afterward can be on land or lily pads.  They go through a profound transition and are related to water and land.  Female frogs lay many eggs at once and are associated with fertility.  The frogs are known to sing before the rains come in Zuni Pueblo.  During droughts people will bury frog carvings in the Earth to invite the rain to come.

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.

Imagine walking along and seeing a big horned toad looking at you with a big grin!  This happy lizard was made by Carl Etsate from sandstone and has gleaming sterling silver eyes.  It is beautifully detailed and it can't be mistaken for anything other than a life-size horned toad!

Size: .875" H x 3.75" L x 2.25" W

Horned toads are thorny lizards with a fat body and very short tail.  If they feel attacked they can puff up to look bigger and their spiky scales can make them look like too much work to eat.  They can  also shoot blood out of their eyes up to 5 feet when threatened.  If you are looking for something to symbolize nonviolent protection, the horned toad may do the trick!

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 happy frog was carved from travertine by Zuni carver, Enrike Leekya.  It even has a big smile on it's face!  In addition to its inlaid turquoise eyes it has five inlaid turquoise dots, one on each leg and one in the center of its back.  The nostrils are detailed as are the toes on each foot.

Size: 1.75" H x 2.125" L x 1.675" W

Frogs begin life in the water as tadpoles, grow legs and are able to be on land or lily pads.  They go through a profound transition and are related to water and land.  Female frogs lay many eggs at once and are associated with fertility.  The frogs are known to sing before the rains come in Zuni Pueblo.  During droughts people will bury frog carvings in the Earth to invite the rain to come.

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 dolomite horned toad is happy because it is carrying the Sunface on its back along with four turquoise dots in the cardinal directions.  Zuni carver, Danette Laate, inlaid turquoise eyes and detailed the scales, the "horn" part of the neck, and the feet.  It feels very good in the hand!  More about horned toads below.

Size: 1" H x 2" L x .875" W

Horned toads are thorny lizards with a fat body and very short tail.  If they feel attacked they can puff up to look bigger and their spiky scales can make them look like too much work to eat.  They can  also shoot blood out of their eyes up to 5 feet when threatened.  If you are looking for something to symbolize nonviolent protection, the horned toad may do the trick!

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 horned toad was carved by Danette Laate from dolomite.  It carries an inlaid sun of turquoise, jet, and coral.  It has inlaid turquoise eyes and four inlaid turquoise dots in the four directions.  It will never be cold with the sun its back!

Size: .375" H x 2.125" L x 1" W

Horned toads are thorny lizards with a fat body and very short tail.  If they feel attacked they can puff up to look bigger and their spiky scales can make them look like too much work to eat.  They can also shoot blood out of their eyes up to 5 feet when threatened.  If you are looking for something to symbolize nonviolent protection, the horned toad may do the trick!

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.

Kenny Chavez carved this coiled snake from sodalite.  It is easy to imagine the stone representing the midnight sky with wispy, moonlight clouds.  The snake is coiled and has inlaid silver eyes.

Size: .75" H x .1.25" Diameter

Snakes are strong, agile, and fast.  Sinuous in their movements, they are only seen when they want to be seen.  They shed their skins as they grow without sentiment for what they leave behind. 

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

We are imagining this sweet little frog resting on a leaf in a quiet and beautiful pond as a gentle rain brings blessings.  It was carved by Tyrone Poncho at least 15 years ago, and is part of a collection we found when we moved.  It is carved from sandstone with inlaid turquoise eyes and three inlaid catlinite dots on its back.  More about frogs below.

Size: 1.75" L x 1.25" W x .675" W

Frogs begin life in the water as tadpoles, grow legs, and live on land or in water.  They go through a profound transition and are related to water and land.  Female frogs lay many eggs at once and are associated with fertility.  The frogs are known to sing before the rains come to Zuni Pueblo.  During droughts people will bury frog carvings in the Earth to invite the rain to come.

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.

Carl Etsate carved this alert horned toad from Picasso marble and inlaid turquoise eyes.  We love the detailed face, "horns", scales and feet.  It looks like it ready to dart away at any moment.  "CE" is engraved on the bottom.  More about horned toads and lizards below.

Size: .5" H x 2.75" L x 1.125" W

Horned toads are thorny lizards with a fat body and very short tail.  If they feel attacked they can puff up to look bigger and their spiky scales can make them look like too much work to eat.  They can  also shoot blood out of their eyes up to 5 feet when threatened.  If you are looking for something to symbolize nonviolent protection, the horned toad may do the trick!

Lizards are associated with fire and dreaming in some Indigenous traditions.  We’ve heard stories of lizards crawling out of ceremonial fires that have been lit for hours.  And, it’s no surprise that they are also associated with dreaming since they are often seen basking in the sun with their eyes closed.  They are one of the reptiles that shed their skins, and some also associate them with the good medicine of making necessary change.

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 Riveting Rattlesnake was carved by Paulette Quam from a beautiful unknown stone with shades of beige, gray, and blue.  It has inlaid turquoise eyes, a detailed mouth, and rattle.  The offering bundle has turquoise and red beads. 

Size: 6.675" L x .75" H x .1.25" W

Snakes are strong, agile, and fast.  Sinuous in their movements, they are only seen when they want to be seen.  They shed their skins as they grow without sentiment for what they leave behind.  When threatened, some snakes have venomous bites, like this rattlesnake.  Men in some of the Pueblos conduct a snake dance where they dance with living rattlesnakes which do not bite them.  These ceremonies are private, and outsiders are not allowed.  Powerful 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, Adrian Cachini, carved this Serene Sea Turtle from catlinite with inlaid turquoise eyes.  The turtle's back is engraved with an eight petaled flower with turquoise dots inlaid into the center and at the end of each petal.  Feathers and geometric shapes are engraved onto the base which may be a leaf that the turtle is resting upon.

Size: .75" H x 2.75" L x 1.85" W

Turtles have their own homes on their backs which means that wherever they are, they are home and are associated with safety.  Some species of sea turtles travel up to 8,000 miles in their migrations.  They can hold their breath longer under water than any air breathing creature, and some of them even sleep under water.  Unfortunately, they are endangered due to climate change warming the seas.

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.

Just looking at this serene sea turtle brings us peace.  it was carved by Matt Hustito from Zuni Pueblo from white marble and has inlaid dark blue eyes, lapis perhaps?  The shell, nostrils, mount and bottom are well detailed.  It feels very good in the hand.

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

Turtles have their own homes on their backs which means that wherever they are, they are home and are associated with safety.  Some species of sea turtles travel up to 8,000 miles in their migrations.  They can hold their breath longer under water than any air breathing creature, and some of them even sleep under water.  Unfortunately, they are endangered due to climate change warming the seas.

This horned toad has a gentle smile!  Carved by Danette Laate from sandstone, it has a Sunface inlaid on its back with inlaid jet, turquoise, and coral, along with four inlaid turquoise dots in the cardinal directions.  As with all of Danette's carvings, it is well detailed.  More about horned toads below.

Size: .125" H x 2.375" L x .675" W

Horned toads are thorny lizards with a fat body and very short tail.  If they feel attacked they can puff up to look bigger and their spiky scales can make them look like too much work to eat.  They can  also shoot blood out of their eyes up to 5 feet when threatened.  If you are looking for something to symbolize nonviolent protection, the horned toad may do the trick!

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 soothing turtle was made by Danette Laate.  She carved it from a beautiful piece of dolomite in serene colors and inlaid a Sunface on the back.  The Sunface is inlaid jet, turquoise, and coral, and has four inlaid dots in the cardinal directions.  As with all of Danette's carvings, this one is also well detailed.  More about turtles below.

Size: .375" H x 1.875" L x .875" W

Turtles have their own homes on their backs which means that wherever they are, they are home.  They are associated with safety.  Some species of sea turtles travel up to 8,000 miles in their migrations.  They can hold their breath longer under water than any air breathing creature, and some of them even sleep under water.  Unfortunately, they are endangered due to climate change warming the seas.

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 Suave Serpent was carved from Picasso marble by Zuni carver, Michael Coble.  It has inlaid turquoise eyes and Michael's name inscribed on the bottom.  The colors in the stone reminds us some of the pythons we've seen.  More about snakes below.

Size: .375" H x 2.25" L x 1.25" W

Snakes are strong, agile, and fast.  Sinuous in their movements, they are only seen when they want to be seen.   They remind us to be flexible no matter what is happening around us, to be aware, and ready to move when necessary. They shed their skins as they grow without sentiment for what they leave behind. 

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 Sunface Turtle was made by Zuni carver, Danette Laate.  She carved it from a beautiful piece of dolomite with an inlaid Sunface on the back.  The Sunface is inlaid jet, turquoise, and coral, and has four inlaid dots in the cardinal directions.  As with all of Danette's carvings, this one is also well detailed.  "DL" is engraved on the bottom. More about turtles below.

Size: .25" H x 1.875" L x 1.25" W

Turtles have their own homes on their backs which means that wherever they are, they are home.  They are associated with safety.  Some species of sea turtles travel up to 8,000 miles in their migrations.  They can hold their breath longer under water than any air breathing creature, and some of them even sleep under water.  Unfortunately, they are endangered due to climate change warming the seas.

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 brilliantly white turtle was carved by Danette Laate at least 15 years ago.  It has inlaid turquoise eyes, and eight turquoise dots inlaid around the shell.  The shell is intricately detailed with diamonds on the head and radiating lines from the inlaid Sunface.  The Sunface is inlaid with turquoise, red coral, and jet.

Size: 1.125" L x .375" H x .75" W

Turtles have their own homes on their backs which means that wherever they are, they are home.  They are associated with safety.  When attacked they retreat into their shells, although some turtles have strong enough mouths to snap a finger.  For most Native American nations in North America, turtles represent Mother Earth.  Every turtle shell has 13 sections on top which some Native Americans say represent the 13 moons of each year.

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.

Christopher Pooacha carved this tranquil sea turtle travertine.  It's easy to imagine it swimming in a warm ocean.  The shell, mouth, and feet are detailed and it appears to be swimming over coral.  There are five inlaid turquoise stones on the shell, with inlaid turquoise eyes.

Size: 1.375" H x 1.5" H x 1.5" W

Turtles have their own homes on their backs which means that wherever they are, they are home.  They are associated with safety.  Some species of sea turtles travel up to 8,000 miles in their migrations.  They can hold their breath longer under water than any air breathing creature, and some of them even sleep under water.  Unfortunately, they are endangered due to climate change warming the seas.

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.

There are many Native American stories about North America being Turtle Island, and if you click on the link you can read about just one of them by an Ojibway elder.  It's a good story!  This turtle by Navajo carver, Jayne Quam, has a whole world inlaid on its back.  The stones creating the moon, star, mountains and more are chrysocolla, azurite, turquoise, Mother of Pearl, tijilite, jet, dolomite, and shell, and it has turquoise eyes.  The body of the turtle is dolomite.  "Jayne Quam" is etched into the bottom.   Such a treasure!

Size: 1" H x 2.375" L x 1.875" W

Turtles have their own homes on their backs which means that wherever they are, they are home.  They are associated with safety.  When attacked they retreat into their shells, although some turtles have strong enough mouths to snap a finger.  For most Native American nations in North America, turtles represent Mother Earth.  Every turtle shell has 13 sections on top which some Native Americans say represent the 13 moons of each year.

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.

If you are on social media much then you've seen the posts about animals with other creatures on their backs in nature.  Those are the images that came to mind when we saw this turtle with two dragonflies on its back.  Taylor Gia carved this Turtle Taxi from serpentine and gave it large turquoise eyes.  The two dragonflies have heads of natural red coral.  The face, front feet, and tail are all detailed. "TG" and "Zuni" are engraved on the bottom

Size: .5" H x 2" L x 1.375" W

Turtles have their own homes on their backs which means that wherever they are, they are home.  They are associated with safety.  When attacked they retreat into their shells, although some turtles have strong enough mouths to snap a finger.  For most Native American nations in North America, turtles represent Mother Earth.  Every turtle shell has 13 sections on top which some Native Americans say represent the 13 moons of each year.

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.