Indian Fetishes are miniature carvings crafted by Southwest tribal artisans, often believed to be imbued with spiritual power. These meticulously hand-carved objects represent the spirits of animals or the potent forces of nature, holding a significant place in the cultural and spiritual lives of the tribes who create and utilize them. For centuries, these unique artifacts have served as conduits for connecting with the unseen world, offering protection, guidance, and blessings to those who possess them.
From the earliest days of North American indigenous cultures, Indian Fetishes have been employed as a means of understanding and influencing the unpredictable forces that govern existence. Among the Zuni people, some of the oldest fetishes are known as "Ahlashiwe," which translates to "stone ancients." These primordial fetishes were often naturally formed stones that bore a resemblance to animals or humans. Skilled carvers would then enhance these resemblances, accentuating features to bring the figures to life and further amplify their perceived power. These Ahlashiwe were considered particularly potent, believed to be ancient beings transformed into stone, imbued with the wisdom and strength of bygone eras.
While various Southwestern tribes create and utilize fetishes, the Zuni people have earned a distinguished reputation for their exceptional skill in carving elaborate and intricate fetishes. These carvings are not merely decorative objects; they are deeply integrated into Zuni religious rituals and play a crucial role in the personal lives of individuals. The Zuni understanding of the world is deeply intertwined with the spiritual essence they believe resides within all things, both animate and inanimate.
The functions of Indian Fetishes are diverse and multifaceted, serving individuals and entire communities alike. They are employed for a wide range of purposes, including ensuring good fortune during hunts, facilitating initiation rites into societies, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, promoting fertility and propagation, and providing personal protection against harm. The versatility of these carvings underscores their central role in the spiritual and practical lives of the people who cherish them.
Zunis hold the belief that animals, inanimate objects, and the forces of nature all possess a unique spiritual force that can either benefit or harm humanity. The carved animal fetishes are believed to serve as vessels or hosts for these spiritual forces. If treated with respect and reverence, these fetishes are believed to assist their owners in overcoming challenges and navigating the complexities of life. This belief highlights the importance of the relationship between the owner and the fetish, a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding.
Central to Zuni cosmology are the guardian animals associated with the six cardinal directions, each playing a significant role in kiva rites and ceremonies:
- Mountain Lion: North
- Bear: West
- Badger: South
- Eagle: The Sky (Up)
- Mole: Underground (Down)
- Wolf: East
The specific ways in which fetishes are used within the kiva are known only to those who have undergone initiation into the various kiva societies. This secrecy underscores the sacred nature of these practices and the importance of preserving the traditional knowledge associated with them. The guardian animals represent powerful forces that influence the world, and the kiva rites serve as a means of maintaining balance and harmony within the cosmos.
The selection of a fetish is often based on the characteristics of the animal it represents and its perceived usefulness to the owner. For example, mole fetishes are valued for their ability to protect fields from rodents, while frog fetishes are associated with fertility due to their prolific tadpole production and their connection to water. These associations reflect a deep understanding of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Predator animal fetishes, such as mountain lions and wolves, are believed to grant the owner power over deer and other game animals. This belief is rooted in the understanding that these animals possess the strength and cunning necessary for successful hunting. When a hunt proves successful, the fetishes that are believed to have contributed to the success are traditionally given the first ceremonial feeding of the game animal, a gesture of gratitude and respect for their assistance.
Often, fetishes are adorned with bundles of coral, turquoise, or arrowheads tied to their backs or sides. These offerings are made to the fetish as expressions of gratitude for favors already received or as entreaties for future blessings. The presence of these offerings signifies the ongoing relationship between the owner and the fetish, a relationship characterized by reciprocity and mutual benefit.
A distinctive feature found on some fetishes is an inlaid turquoise or coral "heartline" that extends from the mouth to the center of the body. One interpretation of this heartline suggests that it represents a period in Zuni mythology when animals held dominion over humans. According to this account, the Great Spirit sent a bolt of lightning that transformed all man-eating animals into stone. The lightning is symbolized in the stone fetish by the inlaid or painted line. Another interpretation posits that the heartline imparts healing or medicinal power to the fetish, enhancing its ability to protect and assist its owner.
Today, Zunis continue to carve Indian Fetishes not only for their own use but also for members of other tribes and for collectors of Native American art. This practice has become an important part of the Zuni economy, providing a means of preserving traditional skills and sharing their cultural heritage with the world.
Zuni families traditionally give their fetishes a place of honor within the home. Some are placed on family altars, while others are kept in special fetish bowls when not in use. This reverence reflects the deep respect and importance that fetishes hold within Zuni culture.
A fetish bowl is a hand-made pot, often adorned with turquoise chips, with the four directional fetishes attached to the outside. Inside the pot, fetishes are stored in a mixture of wood ash and corn pollen, both of which are considered sacred substances. This careful storage ensures that the fetishes are protected and treated with the respect they deserve.
Mole fetishes, due to their aversion to light, are typically kept in a leather bag. These fetishes are ceremonially fed through a small hole in the side of the pot, a ritual that underscores the ongoing relationship between the owner and the fetish. This act of feeding is a way of nourishing the spiritual force within the fetish and ensuring its continued power.
The carving of miniature animals and fetishes remains a vital part of the Zuni economy today. While traditional natural materials such as turquoise, coral, shell, and jet are still widely used, carvers have also embraced a range of newer stones, including malachite, marble, travertine, and serpentine, expanding the creative possibilities of this art form. The use of diverse materials reflects the ongoing evolution of Zuni art and the adaptability of its practitioners.
When selecting Indian Fetishes, it is important to consider the following questions:
- What creature does it represent? Often, older-style fetishes may not be easily identifiable, requiring careful observation and knowledge of animal symbolism.
- From what material is the fetish carved? Materials such as turquoise, coral, and amber are generally more valuable than more common materials like dolomite, serpentine, jet, or antler.
- Who carved the fetish? Determining whether the carving was created by a Native American artist and knowing their tribal affiliation can add to the value and significance of the piece. While most fetishes are not signed, some Zuni carvers have begun to sign their creations.
Ultimately, the most important factor in selecting a fetish is personal preference. These carvings are works of art and should be judged individually based on their aesthetic appeal and the connection they evoke. Whether one prefers finely detailed contemporary miniature sculptures or more primitive older styles, purchasing a Native American fetish represents an acquisition of a tangible piece of Native American culture.
Care of Indian Fetishes
Since most fetishes are made of stone, they require minimal care. They can be dusted with a soft, dry cloth. Leather, sinew, or feathers used in bundles should be kept dry to prevent stretching or deterioration. Older fetishes that appear soiled or dirty should be left in their original condition to preserve their value and authenticity.
Indian Fetishes are more than just carvings; they are living embodiments of spiritual forces, connecting individuals to the natural world and the rich cultural heritage of the Southwest tribes.