Mole Zuni Stone Carving in Dolomite

Description

Mole Zuni Stone Carving in Dolomite with turquoise eyes and symbol of directions, hand carved by Danette Laate. Measures approximately 40 x 18 x 9mm. The Mole is the Protector (Directional Animal) and hunter of the lower region, the underground. Genuine Zuni fetish, or totem or Power animal. Comes with certificate of Authenticity.

American Indians have used fetishes throughout recorded history. A fetish is an object believed to have magic powers. These, made by artists amongst the Zuni Indians of New Mexico and the Navajo people, all relate to animals and are carved in semi-precious stones or bones. The Zuni Indians believe in 6 cardinal guardian fetishes – the mountain lion, the badger, the wolf and the bear, the mole and the eagle. The better treatment a fetish receives, the better performance it is likely to provide. The power and strength of a fetish relates to the capabilities of the animal portrayed and is obtained by taking deep breaths from the fetish’s nostrils.

The Zuni People (the A:Shiwi) believe in six sacred directions. This was established by Po’shai an k’ia, the God of the Medicine societies. He made an appearance in human form and taught the ancestors of Zuni, Taos, Oriabi (Hopi) and Coconino (Havasupai) about agriculture, introduced their systems of worship and organized their medicine societies. And when he disappeared it is said he departed to the “Place of the Sun” – his homeland. At the time when all human beings were of one family the father, Po’shai a ki’a, lived with his family in the middle place at the centre of the Medicine societies of the world. Being guarded on six sides by his warriors or bow priests. On the north, the Mountain Lion. Toward the west, the Bear. In the south, the Badger. Toward the east, the Wolf and above by the Eagle. The underworld was guarded by the Mole.

The Mole is the guardian and master of the lower regions because he burrows through the earth without tiring. He is the younger brother of the Eagle. He protects crops from disease and pests that threaten the harvest. The Mole fetish represents awareness, grounding and introspection. It is included in both the healing and hunting directional fetish sets, and usually carved in black to represent the colour of its coat and the colour of the holes and caves of the earth. Artists sometimes inlay these fetishes with eyes, but often they are left without eyes. In Zuni culture a fetish represents the animal spirit thought to reside in the stone. Moles remind us that even subtle change is still change.

Our supplier – Brave Designs – operates a fair trade policy and all prices are set by either the manufacturer or individual designer. The Navajo Nation has been decimated by recent events and ongoing poverty, and now has the highest per capita rate of infection than New York. 40% already live below the poverty line. Delays in getting medical supplies, limited access to food stores, hospitals and even access to running water in overcrowded homes and the indifference of the government have all exacerbated the problem. Brave Designs is pledging 15% of all purchases in support of the Navajo people.

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