Historically, all of the Southwest native peoples make and use fetishes. In fact, most North American indigenous peoples and even Europeans believed in an "object containing a spirit that provides supernatural assistance if treated with proper respect" Bahti, Mark, Spirit in the Stone [Treasure Chest Books. The Zuni are probably the most well-known for their excellent fetishes, perhaps due, at least partially, to the study of them by Frank Cushing in the late Nineteenth Century. The Zuni fetishes are generally kept in a special fetish pot and ceremonially fed corn pollen.
The Zuni people of the Pueblo are famous for their intricate carvings of animals called Fetishes. They are used for protection, healing, and blessing. The more care a Fetish is given by the owner, the more powerful it is thought to become. Fetishes sold today are more correctly referred to as carvings, as they have not been blessed by a medicine man. True fetishes are not commercially sold source. The Zuni people believe that there are guardians for each of the six directions.
Please enjoy surfing through our Native American Fetish Guide which is filled with information on many different fetish carvings, such as Zuni Fetishes , Navajo Fetishes, Hopi Fetishes, and more. You can learn about the meaning of different animal fetishes and other fetish figures such as Corn Maidens! Fetishes, charms, amulets, or simply good luck pieces, call them whatever you would like, but virtually every culture has them. Fetishes are small carvings made from various materials by many different Native American Tribes.
American Indians have used fetishes throughout recorded history. Fetishes are believed to hold magical powers and protect the owner or craftsmen from various problems of mind or body. Some believe that their mystical powers can even protect against problems of the universe.