Fetish Necklaces & Pots

A modern variety of fetish carving first practiced by Zuni and Pueblo carvers is the decorative "fetish necklace". The distinctive strands consist of multiple small carved animal figures drilled and strung upon shell or turquoise "heishi" beads. Animal or bird forms are carefully carved in sizes as small as half an inch or less. The necklaces may be all completed by the same artist or family of artists, or it may be assembled from the carvings of a group of artists working together in "bench" shops. One of the very first families of carvers in Zuni to work in this form, were the Quandelacies. Each carver in the family provided fetishes for a necklace gift for their mother. The Leekya family also created fetish necklaces very early in the 60's. Santo Domingo Pueblo carvers also were producing fetish bird necklaces by the late 50's.   Fetish Pots are handmade pottery vessles, covered with crushed turquoise and cornmeal, and used to provide a safe home for a ceremonial fetish. The outside of the pot features four or more protector fetish animals (for each of the four directions) and a hole in the side, for "feeding", or cornmeal offerings. Kiva offers these, from Zuni potters in a variety of sizes 3" to 10" or more in diameter. They are a unique accent item for the home, and make wonderful gifts. Please contact us for size and price availability. In the 70's, fraudulent copies of Zuni and Pueblo carvings actually imported from the Phillippines and Aisia began to appear on the market along with mass-produced cast silver fetish charms. Now, these "knock-off" items are commonly offered for sale through catalogs and in large, department stores as Indian made. The wise collector will always determine the actual source of any jewelry sold as "Indian", before buying. Kiva assures its buyers of only absolutely authentic Indian handmade fetish necklaces, from either individual carvers, their families, or authenticated bench shops employing Navajo, Zuni or Pueblo carvers.

To shop, click either of our venues' logos...

 
Click Image above to shop on this site....

Click Image above to shop our Ebay Store...

Shopping at Kiva Information
(Terms, Shipping, Payment Instructions)