Description

This wonderfully veined green turquoise badger has bright coral eyes. The natural coloring of the green turquoise create variations of green and brown across the badger. In the Zuni culture, fetish carvings represent the animal spirit thought to reside in the stone. Traditional shaped carved fetishes are similar to the first ones which were likely found stones that had the rudimentary shape of an animal.

The Zuni associate the badger with boldness, perseverance and individuality. He is the protective animal of the South. It is the badger who helps the medicine men and shamans dig up the roots and herbs that are needed in healing. He is most often associated with the color red and is believed to have knowledge of healing roots and herbs. Characteristics associated with badgers include tenaciousness, passion, control, persistence and earthiness.

Offering Bundle – Many fetishes have an offering bundle, or adornment tied on the back of the animal that consists of coral seed beads, shell heishi, feathers and other stone pieces. The bundle may be used as an offering to the fetish, to evoke the spirit of the fetish or to increase the strength of a fetish.

Condition: New- original condition
Provenance: Purchased from the artist at the Heard Indian Market.