Bear Fetishes: Carvings And Jewelry
Bear fetishes, carvings and jewelry for people who love bears!
I love bears and bear fetishes. As a sculptor and sometime carver, I've particularly drawn to fetishes. Especially bears. Here I'll share my continued research on bear fetishes. I'll introduce you to Zuni and Inuit carvers; the history of fetishes; and links for more fetish "stuff" such as books, jewelry, collectors and dealers in fetishes.
A a sculptor, I sculpt mostly animals - Lions, Fu Dogs and Bears. I'll share with you my bear fetishes, the smallest sculptures I made. Each are individually hand sculpted and have unique finishes. I'll also show you how you can make your own bear fetish necklace with one of my kits. They make great gifts - for you or friends and family.
I hope you enjoy my lens and will let me know what else you'd like to see by leaving comments in the my Guest Book. Bear hugs, Frankie aka Bearmeister
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Symbology of the bear
healing, divinity, invulnerability
Symbology of Polar Bear
power, wisdom, peace
History of Fetishes
Where fetishes originated
Teddy Weahkee, Artist
Teddy Weahkee (1890-1965) a very well known and highly collected Zuni fetish carver.
Fetishes Have Been Around
Since 650 A.D.
Used by Indians since pre-Columbian times, fetishes have been found in archeological excavations that resemble certain animals. Fetishes dating back to 650 A.D. have been found in kivas and storage pits protecting food of the ancient Zuni Indians.
A fetish is an object in which a spirit is thought to reside, often in the form of a charm or talisman and believed to possess magical powers that are capable of changing or affecting the course of events for either good or evil.
According to Wikipedia, the concept of a Fetish was coined in 1757 by a man named Charles de Brosses. Found among indigenous peoples around the world, fetishes are inanimate objects that can be made of materials such as bone, pottery, shell, stone, and wood.
Although fairly modern, the practice of making fetish jewelry arose from the desire of non-Native Americans to own "Indian style" items. It is only in the last 80 years that fetishes have been more realistically carved.
This artist creates the more traditional bear fetishes. All beautifully carved and adorned. He is an excellent carver whose work BEARs repeating. ~smile~
Artist: Emery Eriacho
Description: Zuni Fetish carved Bear
Size: 1.5" x 2.5"
To see another view of this wonderful bear fetish, click Emery Eriacho
Purpose Of A Fetish
About Zuni mythology and fetishes
In Zuni mythology, the Guardian of the West is the Bear fetish believed invaluable for one who is faced with change and transition. It can be an ally when attempting to resolve conflict or aid in facing a new challenge in your spiritual path. The Zunis believe that the bear can help us to "step out of our cave" into the sunshine after a long period of hibernation. The bear is known to represent the healing power within every living thing.
It is believed by many that the main purpose of a fetish is to spiritually assist men against any real or even potential problems that can be of the mind, the body or the universe. When a fetish maker prays over a creation that has been ceremonially blessed by a priest or shaman, it is believed that a mystical power is released that will enable him or the owner of the fetish to find a solution to any problems they may have.
Since the fetish has special powers, the owner must care for it and keep it in a special place such as a leather pouch with cornmeal.I love this wonderfully carve bear fetish. He puts a smile on my face with his pose and stature. He must be the BEAR-er of good news. LOL
Artist: Herbert Him, Zuni
Description: Standing bear carved from turquoise
Size: 2 1/4" x 1 1/2"
To see a 2 more views of this wonderful bear fetish, click Herbert HimThe People Who Create Fetishes And Trade Routes
Southwest Indians, Zuni and Other Tribes
Southwest Indians Indian sculptors in the Southwest carved small stone figurines in animal, human and supernatural shapes. Zuni fetishes weretotemic, featuring inlaid eyes and heart lines while Navajo storytellers strung together fetish necklaces that served as mnemonics for traditional stories. The Hopi carved elaborate kachina dolls from whole cottonwood roots and the Pueblos carved figures from clay and fired them in their pottery kilns.
Additional Tribes
The Iroquois and Cherokee tribes were known for their elaborate wooden masks. The Ojibways carved pipes and ceremonial objects out of a certain type of clay called pipestone and the Algonquians of the east carved staffs and bowls out of tree roots. The Eskimos were known for their ceremonial dance masks made from wood and ivory and soapstone figurines.Trade Routes
Even in ancient times, with the lively trade routes throughout native North America, American Indian sculpture styles spread beyond a single tribe or culture group, fusing their styles together in many ways.Zuni carvers
Most of the fetishes created by North American natives however have been created in the southwest by the Zuni Indians, who have become known for their great number and variety of fetishes.Originally made for hunting, harvest, rain, religious and initiation ceremonies, fetishes are now used for things such as good luck, spiritual guidance, healing, longevity, attracting the opposite sex, fertility, protection from disease and evil, gambling, and nowadays even for decorative purposes.
Meticulous in detail, the Zunis work comes in a variety of styles. These days it is mostly aimed at the tourist or the collector.
Bear Table Fetishes from my collection
Sitting Bear - Septarian Stone
Zuni Bear
Bear Fetish - Picasso Marble
Zuni Bear - Septarian Stone
Zuni Fetish - Picasso Marble
Bear Fetish Necklaces sculpted by me
Polar Bear Fetish Necklace -- Horsehair Raku
One-Of-A-Kind Sculpted Bears
Polar Bear Fetish Necklace
Horse Hair Finish
I sculpt each bear individually (no molds are used). Then using the special firing technique known as "raku", I took the bear out of the kiln and dropped real horse hair onto the sculpture. As the fire consumes the hair, it twists and turns, producing an embedded one-of-a-kind pattern. After being scrubbed, I waxed and buffed each miniature sculpture. The necklace is reversable because each side of the bear is unique.
The necklace is completed it with a sterling silver clasp and a leather strap.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the creation process, each bear is unique, varying slightly in shape, size and patterning. Bear size is approximate.
Size: 1" High x 1 3/4" Wide x 3/8" Deep
Price: $37. To order click Sculptures by Frankie - Sculptural Jewelry
Bear Fetish Necklace -- Saggar
One-Of-A-Kind Sculpted Bears
I hand sculpted Each bear then put it into a pot known as a "saggar" in a "raku" kiln. The pot was layered with various materials including: sawdust, vermiculite, salt, and copper carbonate, then covered tightly. The kiln was fired. After cooling, the sculptures are scrubbed, waxed and buffed. The various materials react differently to the heat creating different colors and patterns making each sculpture unique.
The necklace is completed it with a sterling silver clasp and a leather strap.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the creation process, each bear is unique, varying slightly in shape, size and patterning. The are also reversable since both sides are different. Bear size is approximate.
Size: 1" High x 1 3/4" Wide x 3/8" Deep
Price: $37. To order click Sculptural Jewelry
Make-A-Fetish Necklace Kit
One-Of-A-Kind Sculpted Bears
Each kit contains everything you need to create a unique necklace with a one-of-a-kind miniature polar bear sculpture including detailed instructions.
I sculpted each bear individually (no molds were used). Then using the special firing technique known as "raku", I took the bear out of the kiln and dropped real horse hair onto the sculpture. As the fire consumes the hair, it twists and turns, producing an embedded one-of-a-kind pattern. After being scrubbed, I waxed and buffed each miniature sculpture. The necklace is reversable because each side of the bear is unique.
When you purchase this necklace kit, you will also receive a $10 gift certificate toward the purchase of any sculptural item from Sculptures by Frankie. Redemption instructions are on the gift certificate enclosed in the package.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the creation process, each bear is unique, varying slightly in shape, size and patterning. Bear size is approximate.
Size: 1" High x 1 3/4" Wide x 3/8" Deep
Price: $33 (includes shipping). To order click Sculptures by Frankie - Sculptural Jewelry
Make-A-Fetish Necklace Kit - Saggar Finish
One-Of-A-Kind Sculpted Bears
Each kit contains everything you need to create a unique necklace with this one-of-a-kind miniature polar bear sculpture.
I hand sculpted Each bear then put it into a pot known as a "saggar" in a "raku" kiln. The pot was layered with various materials including: sawdust, vermiculite, salt, and copper carbonate, then covered tightly. The kiln was fired. After cooling, the sculptures are scrubbed, waxed and buffed. The various materials react differently to the heat creating different colors and patterns making each sculpture unique.
When you purchase this necklace kit, you will also receive a $10 gift certificate toward the purchase of any sculptural item from Sculptures by Frankie. Redemption instructions are on the enclosed gift certificate.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the creation process, each bear is unique, varying slightly in shape, size and patterning. The are also reversable since both sides are different. Bear size is approximate.
Size: 1" High x 1 3/4" Wide x 3/8" Deep
Price: $33 (includes shipping). To order click Sculptures by Frankie - Sculptural Jewelry
This lens supports Wildlife S.O.S.
All royalties raised on this lens are donated to Wildlife S.O.S. for their "India Bear Rescue" Project.
You can help save the bears by making your TAX EXEMPT donation to Save the bears
The Zuni Book of Fetishes - Zuni Fetish resource
Zuni Fetish Books on Amazon - Great books on Zuni Fetishes
Inuit Fetish Books on Amazon - Great books on Inuit Fetishes
Great Inuit Art Books - Learn more about Inuit Art
Links to interesting Fetish sites - Fetish websites
- Zuni carvings and fetishes from the Heard Museum Shop
Carvings/Fetishes-Zuni. Known around the world for their work, Zuni people have traditionally used small stone carvings of animal figures as power objects ... - Urban Fetishes Jewelry
Urban Fetishes, Inc. is owned by artist and writer Alice Warder Seely. Alice's jewelry is hand made and hand finished, contains 100% lead free pewter, ... - Nineteenth-Century Cochiti Figurines: Commodity Fetishes
labeled "fetishes from the pueblo ruins" which were. purchased by major collectors such as ... masks, fetishes, and carved stone idols for the Brook- ... - Hawikuh Trading Zuni Fetishes, Kachinas, Pottery, Art, Jewelry
Sep 25, 2007 ... Zuni Fetishes, Zuni Kachinas, Zuni Jewelry, Navajo Jewelry, Pottery, Native American Indian Arts & Crafts, are the specialties of Hawikuh ... - Native American pottery,Navajo horsehair,Hopi kachinas,Zuni ...
Other Indian artifacts include, peace pipes, Zuni fetishes, Mexican pottery, and Hopi art at a ... We have hundreds of Zuni fetishes not on this site. ... - ZUNI SPIRITS: A Portfolio of Fine Zuni Fetish Carvings - Our Book!
ZUNI SPIRITS: A Portfolio of Fine Zuni Fetish Carvings - Wilford's Jewelry Buying Journal: Claudia Peina
Claudia Peina is a highly celebrated Zuni fetish carver whose finsihed work is quickly absorbed by collectors worldwide. Her masterworks are generally too large to be incorporated into wearable jewelry. - Zuni Fetishes and their origin
Zuni Spirits: Authentic Zuni fetish, Zuni fetishes and Zuni Fetish Carvings direct from Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico! - Inuit Art Eskimo Art Prints, Sculpture - Weekly Inuit Art Auctions
ABoriginArt Galleries specializes in vintage and contemporary Inuit stone and ivory sculpture and limited edition prints. Over 1900 Inuit works of art on display by over 400 Inuit Artists. Each item has been chosen for a combination of quality, subje - The Bear Gallery
Beautifully carved bears.
More lenses about Bears
Save Our Bears (SOB) Headquarters
Bear headquarters
Member of Save Our Bears Headquarters -- a group of lenses devoted to help change the plight all of the 8 bear species through awareness and fund raising.
The lenses show the wonderful nature of bears and many will, at the same time, shine a spotlight on the dangers bears face including: trophy hunters, gall bladder and bile farming, pollution, bear baiting, global warming, and habitat destruction.
You'll also find fun lenses on great polar bear movies, books, teddy bears, even cartoon and toy bears.
Click Save Our Bears (SOB) to go to the headquarters page.1st Place Winner in the
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Copyright 2008-2012 Frankie Kangas All rights reserved.
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