Description

The bear is considered the most powerful of all of the animals and is one of the most popular subjects of fetish carvers. He is a spiritual guide and represents strength and self-knowledge. He also has supernatural powers, great healing powers. The bear is a symbol of deliberate action, introspection, soul and insight for the past and the future. The Bear is the guardian of the West and is one of the animals of the Six Directions of Zuni.

This bear has an offering bundle on his back. It is an arrowhead carved from shell wrapped with sinew and beads. 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: Excellent – original condition – new
Provenance: Purchased from the artist at Zuni