The Zuni Pueblo Indians feel that animals are endowed with unique spiritual powers,
and that the fetish is the embodiment of these spirits. Carved from rock and semi-precious stones,
Zuni fetish carvings are used in daily life for good luck, prosperity and health. The heartline of
coral or turquoise seen on some fetishes represents the living essence within the stone body,
while the backpack on a fetish is an offering to the animal spirits.

Common materials used by Zuni fetish carvers include serpentine, jet, turquoise, coral, travertine onyx,
green snail shell and Picasso marble. The bear or medicine bear is one of the most popular and commonly
made Zuni fetishes, representing strength, courage, power, good luck, and healing.

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