Searching White Bear

Tony Laiwakete carved this Searching White Bear from gleaming white marble and inlaid turquoise eyes.  Its head is turning toward something as if it is searching.  The offering bundle is an arrowhead of black marble with a turquoise and salmon coral bead.  All four paws are detailed.  It feels very good in the hand.

Size: 1.25" H x 2.25" L x 1.25" 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.