Carved stone fetishes have played several roles in the lives of the Zuni, both in past generations and in today's culture.  The foundation of fetishes came from Zuni hunters who traditionally consulted their carvings before a hunt to connect with the either the animal they hoped to kill, or with a predatory animal that might help them in their endeavors.  Fetishes also are used to cure infertility, sickness and drought as well as myriad other problems a person or family may face.  In Hal Zina Bennett's book, Zuni Fetishes, he recognizes that "the best fetishes evoke in our minds countless images of the animal they portray" (Bennett, 1). 

In looking at the fetishes here on our website, or holding one in your hands from our store, the true character of the animal is epitomized in each carving.  Each fetish gives us a sense of place, it's meaning, history, as well as the artist's passion for the art.  *For more information about Zuni fetishes, see the book Zuni Fetishes and Carvings by Kent McMannis. (KY)