Bear Fetish

Bear Fetish

Sandstone Bear Fetish: Simply carved - very little detail; natural grayish sandstone color with painted features - black feet, tail, nose, ears and eyes. Mouth and nostrils are painted red. Cotton string wrapped around torso bind a brown, chert arrow head with shell and torquoise heshi and one red, glass, tubular bead. String has been rubbed with ochre. Bear's body has been rubbed or painted with a very thin layer of vegetable dye.
  • Object: Bear Fetish
  • Artist: ?
  • Circa: 1900's
  • Dimensions: 7 1/4 long x 3 1/4" high
  • Culture Area: Southwest
  • Cultural Group: Zuni
  • Cultural Context: Traditionally used to bring good luck on the hunt - associated with beliefs in animism. However, this item was probably made for sale.
  • Donor: Barbara Wallace
  • Catalog #: 97.351