Bear of Courage

Bernard Laiwakete carved this courageous bear from bowlerite, which is from recycled bowling balls...cool, right?   He inlaid a strong turquoise heartline and eyes.  The bowlerite is slightly translucent and show depth of the swirls.

Size: 1.25" H x 3" 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.