This bear by Zuni carver, Alex Tsethlikai,feels very good in the hand, very strong. It is carved from Mexican onyx and has inlaid turquoise eyes. The offering bundle is a midnight blue arrowhead with turquoise andred beads on top. Its face, tail, and paws are detailed.

Size: 1.25" H x 2.675" L x .5" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo. They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months. In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal. Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.