Strong Bear

This bear by Zuni carver, Alex Tsethlikai, feels very good in the hand, very strong.  It is carved from Mexican onyx and has inlaid turquoise eyes.  The offering bundle is a midnight blue arrowhead with turquoise and red beads on top.  Its face, tail, and paws are detailed.  

Size: 1.25" H x 2.675" L x .5" 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.