Shimmering Standing Bear

Danny Lonjose carved this shimmering standing bear from gold lip Mother of Pearl.  It has inlaid jet eyes.  The notstrils and and tail are delicately detailed. The shell is thick and has areas of gold and a natural crevasse that is a darker brown.  It feels very good in the hand.

Size: 2" H x 1"L x .75" 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.