Beautiful Bear

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.