Bundle of Bears

Zuni carver Tim Lementino carved each one of these five bears from Mexican onyx.  They have inlaid turquoise eyes and their mouths are all open as if they are singing their favorite song.  They are bound together with beads of pen shell and turquoise.  So precious!

Size: 1.675" H x 2" L x 2" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.