Carl Etsate

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.

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.