Standing Cedar Bear

Zuni carver, Michael Mahooty, carved this standing bear with inlaid turquoise eyes from a beautiful piece of cedar.  The mouth and paws are inlaid jet.  It has a strong and calm attitude...what we can all use during these challenging times!  More about bears below.

Size: 4.25" H x 1.375" L x 1.25" 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.