Smiling Dancing Bear

Claudia Peina carved this smiling, dancing bear.  Carved from jet with inlaid turquoise eyes and four dots around its neck, and two dots in the front.

Size: 2.5" H x 1.875" 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.