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.
