Navajo and Zuni Carving of Wolf in Serpentine

Description

Navajo and Zuni Carving of Wolf in Serpentine by Delvin Leekya. Length is 75mm, width 15mm, height 15mm approximately. Weighs 25g. Has turquoise eyes and arrowhead, plus a piece of shell. Genuine Native American craftwork.

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 adornments, if any, on the backs of the fetishes in turquoise, coral etc represent arrow heads or feathers to enhance the fetish’s power. 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.

These wonderful wolf carvings are inspired by the Native American lores and legends.

Wolves figure prominently in the mythology of nearly every Native American tribe. In most Native cultures, Wolf is considered a medicine being associated with courage, strength, loyalty, and success at hunting. The Zunis carve stone wolf fetishes for protection, ascribing to them both healing and hunting powers. Wolves are also one of the most common clan animals in Native American cultures. Wolf is Guardian and Prey God of the East. Because of its pack behaviour, the wolf spirit represents not just successful hunting, but also the ability to work together for the good of the group…these fetishes given to newlyweds, invoke in that couple the strong family bond exemplified in wolf pairs. Wolf represents loyalty and family values. It is a teacher, pathfinder, and represents a sharing of knowledge. He teaches us inner guidance and clarity.

The 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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