Bear Fetishes: Carvings And Jewelry

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

My Blog has been HACKED and is down temporarily so some photos are not loading on this site.

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"

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.

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"

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

Trade Routes

Zuni carvers

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

1st Place Winner in the

Home for the Holidays Lens Contest, 2008.

Link to this bear fetish site

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Copyright 2008-2012 Frankie Kangas All rights reserved.

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