Gratitude Bear

Marvelita Phillips carved this Gratitude Bear from lemon serpentine and inlaid turquoise eyes.  The offering bundle includes crushed turquoise, a turquoise arrowhead, and heishi.  So much turquoise!

Size: 1" H x 1.5" L x .375" 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.