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ZUNI
FETISHES
The Zuni have traditionally used small stone
carvings of animal figures as power objects and mediators
between themselves and the spirit world. Any object, that
has special meaning, can be used as a fetish. Fetishes or
symbols can be held in the hand and express values and beliefs
that have guided Indians decisions in their pursuit of physical,
mental and spiritual well-being, the Zuni tribe being the
most prolific in the use of festishes. As with all traditions,
an in depth study would be required to understand the true
meaning. We give here a brief insight as to some of the
fetishes.
Traditionally each fetish must be ritualistically fed, often
at the same time as the family would feed. Food, usually
corn meal and sometimes mixed with crushed turquoise and
shells, would be given to the fetish as if a family member.
After about thirty minutes the remains of the food would
normally be thrown into the river or buried, but never burnt
since it was believed that the spirits of the departed live
in the air and would be offended.
Fetishes are sometimes used in sets, usually consisting
of three to seven figures in a clay jar. Traditionally if
an owner wished to gain the favour of the spirits that lived
within his or her fetishes then he or she would take great
care of them, comfortably housing and feeding them within
the pot.
We now give a few examples of fetishes and their considered
spiritual benefits.
Mountain Lion
Personal power; territorialism; intuitive ability; steadfastness;
bond with higher source; resourcefulness; loyalty and dedication;
inner spirit.
Black Bear
Introspection; healing; solitude; change; strength in the
face of adversity; introversion; management of transitions
and communications between spirit and human.
Badger
Aggressiveness; single-mindedness; passion; control; antidote
to passivity or victimization; persistence in the service
of a mission; knowledge of the earth.
Extracts taken from the highly recommended Zuni Fetishes
by Hal Zina Bennett, available to buy here
Shop
for Native American Fetishes
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