Introduction to Fetish Carvings

Origin story of Zuni fetish carvings

According to Zuni tradition, the world was once completely submerged in floodwaters, leaving it swampy and uninhabitable. The Sun Father—honored by the Zuni as the source of life and light—created twin sons. Seeing that the Earth was too wet for people to live on, the Twins took on the task of drying it. Their father had given them powerful gifts: a magical shield, a bow symbolizing the rainbow, and arrows representing lightning. They placed the shield on the ground, crossed the rainbow and lightning over it, and shot an arrow into the center. This unleashed lightning in all directions, sparking a massive fire that dried the Earth.

However, this made the land dangerous, as it allowed predators to easily hunt humans. To protect people, the Twins used lightning to strike these creatures, burning and shrinking them into stone. Yet their hearts were left alive, filled with magical energy meant to aid humanity. Today, when a Zuni person finds a naturally shaped stone resembling an animal, they believe it is one of those ancient beings turned to stone.

Although modern Zuni fetishes—carved representations of animals—may look more detailed than those of the past, the spiritual beliefs tied to them have stayed the same.

-Serpentine (Fishrock) Bear Sculpture by Adrian Cachini (Zuni Pueblo)

The Meaning of the Zuni Fetish

The Zuni use fetishes for various purposes, such as aiding hunters, ensuring game abundance, and playing roles in healing ceremonies. They can protect individuals and communities, promoting fertility, rain, and crop growth.

The Zuni believe all things, including animals, have spirits, with animals having more power than humans. Fetishes, often linked to these spirits, include protective and healing animals, such as the mountain lion, bear, and eagle, as well as hunting and prey animals like the coyote and bobcat. Each direction and element (north, south, east, west, sky, and underground) is associated with a protective animal, and each direction has a related color.

Some fetishes have special features, like a "heartline" that represents the magical power in the animal’s heart, and may include offerings like stones or arrowheads for empowerment. Fetishes were traditionally worn or carried but now can be found in homes or cars. They are ceremonially fed corn meal and turquoise, though food offerings vary by person.

Communal fetishes, owned by societies or clans, are kept in special pots, with food presented outside the jar for nourishment.

Fetishes, often regarded as powerful symbols, can also be cherished as art, but it’s important to avoid confusing Zuni beliefs with those of other cultures. The power of a fetish often depends on the strength of the user’s belief.

Reference: Kent McManis, A Guide To Zuni Fetishes & Carvings