Native American Fetishes
Carved Native American fetishes are among the world’s most collected expressions of Native American art. These carvings represent animals of the natural world and have spiritual meanings and ceremonial purpose. The majority of Native American fetishes produced in the Southwest today are made by Zuni artists but there are other Pueblos and Navajo artists who made them as well. Traditionally the fetishes were carved from bone, antler, horn, shell and wood as well as stone. These carvings have traditionally served a ceremonial purpose for their creators and depict animals and icons integral to their culture. As a form of contemporary Native American art, they are sold with secular intentions to collectors worldwide.