Water Creatures

Justin Red Elk carved this Happy Otter from Zuni fish rock (serpentine).  It is very happy because it has a pink mussel shell fish in its mouth.  Its a bit difficult to see in the photos, but if you look carefully you can see the whiskers and paws are detailed.

Size: 1.375" H x 2" L x .5" W

Otters are water creatures that live in oceans, rivers, creeks and lakes.  The mothers float around with their babies on their bellies when they are young.  They put their food on their bellies making their bellies dining tables.  They are associated with happiness, joy, and community. 

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.

One Fish Three Bears was carved by Daisy (Natewa) Leonard from green serpentine, Picasso marble, and white alabaster with a hint of yellow.  Their eyes are inlaid turquoise or jet.  Their offering bundle is a pink mussel shell arrowhead with three turquoise beads.  The fish is carved from shell.

Size: 1.25" H x 2" L x 1.5" 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.

This dreamy dolphin was carved by Leland Boone and Daphne Quam from sodalite.  It has inlaid red coral eyes.  It looks like it chillin' in the waters.  Ahhhhh, so relaxing!  More about dolphins below.

Size: 1.5" L x 2.75" L x 1.125" W

Dolphins are some of our most joyous non-human relatives.  They are communal beings that communicate with one another and seem to do their best to communicate with humans too.  They sometimes work together to hunt and are very cooperative.  If you ever need a bit of joy, just watch a video of dolphins in the wild!

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.

Kenny Chavez carved this joyful dolphin from banded Mexican onyx and inlaid sterling silver eyes.  It is easy to imagine it jumping into the air.

Size: 1.25" H x 2" L x .5" W

Dolphins are some of our most joyous non-human relatives.  They are communal beings that communicate with one another and seem to do their best to communicate with humans too.  They sometimes work together to hunt and are very cooperative.  If you ever need a bit of joy, just watch a video of dolphins in the wild!

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.

Danette Laate carved this lucky fish from Picasso marble and inlaid big blue eyes.  We love the big mouth!  It is very well detailed with scales and fins.

Size: 1.5" H x 1.75" L x .5" W

Danette Laate carved this lucky fish from Picasso marble and inlaid big blue eyes.  We love the big mouth!  It is very well detailed with scales and fins.

Size: 1.25" H x 1.5" L x .5" W