Zuni otter

Otter hand carved on Zuni reservation 

the otter is for playful fun and protection in your journey .

Made out of turquoise 

Fetishes are small hand carvings, most often of animals, made by the Zuni people in various materials, such as Mother-of-Pearl, Jet, Turquoise, Pipestone, Marble, Jasper, Travertine and Bone.  In Native American traditions, fetishes are considered Sacred because they are imbued with the powers of the animal they represent; animals often depicted include bears, wolves, beavers, dragonflies, horses, badger, frog, deer, eagle and many others. 

Enjoy browsing our fine collection online and talk to us if you would like a more in depth discussion about the animals, their meanings and traditions, or to know more about the many respected and highly collectable artists who keep this art alive.