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Zuni Fetishes
The definition of a
“fetish” is an object that is given intrinsic value or religious
significance by the person using it. The “original” fetishes
(called we-ma'-we) are said to have been beings borne through the
umbilicus from the past world into the present one when all living
things were created, but were cast back into the earth by the Creator
because they were preying on His most prized creation, the humans.
The wemawe had natural shapes suggesting creatures or Beings that had
been turned to stone. Most ancient fetishes are thought to be of
predatory animals and were likely used ceremonially to bring the ability
of that animal when hunting or other requested benefits.
Over 400 years ago, these “found” objects began to be altered by human
hands into "power animals" and other beneficial figures. The
carvers saw themselves as uncovering the wemawe trapped within the
stone, wood, shell, antler, bone, or other material; thus releasing it
to help those of this world. The fetish allies could then be
called upon to ensure fertility, protection, hunting prowess, adequate
rainfall, abundant crops, and other requested benefits.
350 years ago, the Zuni Nation of the four corners region (New Mexico) emerged as the premier
carvers of their time. Their skillful craftsmanship earned them
the respect of neighboring tribes who willingly traded for the prized
fetishes. Zuni fetishes have been excavated from ancient cultural
sites far away from their origin of the desert southwest, some as far
away as the Ohio and Missouri river regions, and even in southern areas
of Mexico.
The fetishes were believed to contain great power and beauty.
In modern times, the art of Zuni fetish carving has become more detailed
as collectors began asking for specific animals and collecting them as
art forms. The art of Fetishes is enjoying a revival. Individual artists are becoming
quite well-known, and fine pieces are
highly collected. The art of carving is a generational tradition
within the Zuni nation. A child is taught to carve at a very young
age and many are quite accomplished by their young teens. Wemawe
(fetishes) are used within the tribal religious practices, and they are
used to decorate Zuni homes to guard from evil and bring blessing to all
who enter.
Each tribe had its own interpretation of the meanings for each fetish.
The below list is the meanings as seen from the Zuni traditions and perspectives. This is not a complete list. There are many
other animals and even plants that are honored through carving. Please
note the six animals with asterisks (*) are considered to be
“directional protection beings” and are used to communicate with the spirits
of the indicated direction. Particular colors are also associated with
these animals.
The Zuni believe that
each human has a seventh directional that guides their personal path in
life. Only the individual can determine their personal seventh
directional. Zodiacs do not apply to Native belief systems.
Badger* Tenacity, Stamina, Passion
(South - yellow)
Bat
Transition, Change, Movement
Bear* Introspection, Strength, Healing, Bringer of Rain Clouds (West
- blue)
Beaver
Industry, Adeptness, Skill
Buffalo
Power, Endurance, Abundance
Butterfly
Transition to Afterlife, Beauty, Protector of Young Girls
Corn Maiden
Keeper of the “Secret of Life”, Guardian of Good Crops,
Sustenance
Crow
Intelligence, Humor, Mischievous
Coyotes Teacher, Independence, Humor,
Prankster
Deer Agility, Speed, Gentleness
Dragonfly
Communication, Messenger of the Ancestors, Sign of Water
Eagle*
Fore Vision, Clarity, Communication with Creator (Sky
- multi-colored)
Frog Fertility, Sound (use of), Renewal,
Regeneration
Hawk Nobility, Inspiration, Illumination
Horse Courage, Speed, Safety in Travel
Hummingbird Joy, Beauty, Thankfulness
Lizard Relaxation, Wisdom, Silence
Mole*
Self-Acceptance, Grounding (Underground -
black)
Mountain Lion* Leadership, Boundaries, Agility
(North - white)
Otter Playfulness, Dexterity,
Nurturer, Parenting Skills
Owl Wisdom, Foresight,
Stealth, Transition to Afterlife
Rabbit Tact, Gentleness, Surrender
Raven
Mystery, Change, Control, Watcher for Medicine Keeper
Winged Serpent Guardian of
Unborn, Protector of Underworld, Medicine
Snake Transmutation of Energy, Change,
Lightning, Sign of Rain
Spider
Legend Keeper, Guardian of Young Children, Patience
Squirrel
Planning, Trust, Friendship
Turtle Longevity, Loyalty, Peace,
Keeper of Knowledge
Wolf* Commitment,
Friendship, Teacher of Social Skills, Stamina (East - red)
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