Traditional and Modern Meanings of Zuni Fetishes

by Dr Katherine Aaron

 

BADGER FETISHES

Badger is the Six Directions Healing and Protective Animal of the South and the Six Directions Hunting Animal of the South. A fetish carved from a red material, such as red pipestone is the Badger Elder Brother. Traditionally the badger is used by those in the healing arts to assist in finding, digging and gathering medicinal herbs. It is also used traditionally to assist in hunting small prey. The Zuni word for badger is Donashi. The modern use for the badger fetish is to bring in the power to stay the course until a goal is reached. The energy is of perseverance and protection.

BEAR FETISHES

Traditionally the bear (Anshe) fetish is the most important of the Zuni fetishes because of the healing properties it carries. In the Healing and Protective Six Directions Animals, the bear represents the West. The associated color of the West is blue. Therefore, blue bear fetishes are the "Elder Brother" of all bears.

It is said that the bear fetishes that are not blessed or empowered by the carver or healer are similar to the caduceus in anglo society -- it is a symbol of healing and of the healing arts. The power associated with it, both modern and traditional, are: inner strength, inner knowingness--the ability to see and understand your self-imposed limitations, health and healing, and protection.

BIRD FETISHES

On the whole, bird fetishes traditionally have the power to carry prayers for rain to the clouds. However, traditionally fetishes carved of birds of prey, such as falcons, eagles and hawks bring the energy of successful hunting of small prey. Modern bird fetish meanings depend upon the individual bird type. More detail about the most common bird fetishes are listed individually in this article.

BOBCAT FETISHES

Depending on what part of North American you live in, the bobcat is known as the lynx, wildcat, catamount and cat of the mountains. The Zuni call the bobcat, Debi and it is the South animal of the Hunting Six Directions Animals. The color of the Southern direction is red, therefore a bobcat fetish carved from a red material, such as red coral is the Elder Brother to all bobcats.

Traditionally, this fetish brings success when hunting prey typically hunted by the bobcat such as antelope and other large game animals. The modern interpretation of the power of bobcat fetishes is that they bring the energy of intuition and clairvoyance. It also brings the awareness of hidden secrets. Collectors of old fetishes like the rarity of old Zuni bobcat fetishes since few were made before the Zuni carvers made them for commercial purposes.

BUFFALO FETISHES

The Zuni name for buffalo is Si:wolo and the traditional use of the buffalo fetish is for the abundance and the well-being of the buffalo. The fetish also brought success when hunting them. Fetish collectors frequently add them to their collection because of the strong connection buffalo have with the Native Americans out West. The modern belief is that buffalo fetishes bring the power, fortitude and endurance to overcome any personal weakness.

CORN MAIDEN & CORN MOTHER FETISHES

Known as Kachin Mana or Kachina Maiden, The Corn Maiden originates from the Hopi and Zuni. In Zuni her name is Dowa E:washdoki but her name changes when she is with other Kachinas. Her name also changes depending on what color corn she is carrying or representing. Regardless of what name she is called, she always carries the power and energy of protection and health of the corn crop, which was the staple of life in the desert Southwest for thousands of years. She is an important Kachina in that, like a mother to all, she provides life-giving food for people of the earth.

The Southwest corn colors are yellow, blue, red, white, speckled, and black. There is a Corn Maiden specific to each of these types of corn and fetish collectors often have at least one of each color represented in their Corn Maiden collection. The same is true of Corn Maiden Kachina collectors.

Since The Corn Maiden takes the name represented by the color of the material from which she is carved, in English we say that a fetish carved out of turquoise is The Blue Corn Maiden; carved from jet and she becomes The Black Corn Maiden, and so forth. When the carver inlays colored stones, or uses a multi-colored material, then she is The Speckled Corn Maiden and takes on the power to bless speckled corn.

You will often see fetishes with The Corn Mother as well as The Corn Maiden. The Corn Mother came with the Zuni people from the First World into this present time world. At one time in the Zuni evolution they became imbalanced and inharmonious. They hunted for sport instead of food and were not conscious of the needs of the Plant People and so many hardships fell to them. Corn Mother brought the remembrance of the Old Ways from the First World to the Zuni. The remembrance and honoring of the Old Ways restored balance and harmony, thus creating an abundant, happy, peaceful and healthy existence on earth for the Zuni.

The dragonflies that are often carved into the Corn Maiden fetishes represent the energy of the dragonfly which is of quick activity and the willingness to change. The transparent wings represent and remind us how much of what we think we know is just an illusion. This helps shift our resistance to change and being stuck in the rut of thinking your way is always the only way.

In modern times many people go about their busy lives without much consciousness about the balance and harmony taught today in many Eastern and Native American cultures. Thus we suffer from the violence born of hurting and hurtful people; stress related illnesses and many other modern ailments due to the disharmony and imbalances within ourselves and as a result, in the world around us. The Corn Mother fetish reminds us, and brings us the energy to restore the balance and harmony in our lives and in the world in which we live. The energy and power of the dragonfly helps us to get out of the rut of old thinking and ways of disharmony and helps us be open to change. The modern interpretation of the power and energy of the Corn Maiden is blessings of abundance.

COYOTE FETISHES

The coyote occupies the West position in the Hunting Six Directions Animals. A coyote fetish carved from a blue material, such as turquoise, represents the Elder Brother of all the other coyotes since blue is the color associated with the West. In the past, coyote fetishes were relatively rare on Zuni until the commercial demand for them increased.

The Zuni Coyote fetishes are used traditionally for success in hunting rabbits since the coyote is so successful in hunting them. For the past 15 years, the most common coyote fetish is carved as a seated howling coyote. The older style coyote fetish resembles the wolf fetish only with a much thinner and generally pointed tail. The older coyote fetishes have a flat and even back from the head to the tail.

Modern beliefs that originated from other Native American traditions say that coyote is the Trickster and that his energy is about learning through laughing at ourselves. The coyote energy helps us to not take ourselves and life so seriously and helps us to lighten up. Today many people appreciate the power the coyote fetish brings since the stress of modern life is relieved through this energy and a mere glance at the coyote fetish is a reminder to lighten up and to laugh.

DEER FETISHES

Deer (Shohhida) fetishes are traditionally used for a successful hunt when deer is being hunted for food. Old deer fetishes made before the invention of modern tools were rare since they are very difficult to carve. Today deer fetishes with detailed carving of antlers and thin graceful legs are common. The modern interpretation of the deer fetish is that it brings gentleness.

EAGLE FETISHES

Watching eagles soaring in thermals created by the sun-baked rocks of great canyons and mountains in the desert Southwest is an awe inspiring sight. With their gracefully long wing span and powerful talons, they circle and soar with an economy of wing beats until in a magnificent and terrifying rush, they dive upon their prey. To the Zuni, the eagle fetish traditionally brings the hunter the power, strength and success of the eagle. Traditionally it is also used by healers.

The Eagle is the protector of the Sky in the Hunting Six Directions Animals and has the same position in the Protective and Healing Six Directions Animals. The sky is represented by a rainbow of colors. Therefore, an eagle fetish carved from a multi-colored stone is the Elder brother of all eagles.

The modern interpretation of the eagle fetish is that is has the power and energy to bring you a greater connection with the Divine and, with a soaring spirit that transcends this earthly plane, you will transcend all personal and earthly problems.

FROG FETISHES

The frog (Dakkya) fetish is a very common fetish among the Zuni. A frog fetish brings the power and energy of fertility and abundance through water. It is associated with water and rain since in the desert wherever there is a lack of moisture there is also a lack of abundance and fertility.

Water sources have always been tentative in the Southwest and even the ancient civilizations were very conscious of their dependency on rain. Archeologists have found the frog image and frog carvings throughout the Southwest; it was and still remains an important energy and power because it gives life. The modern meaning is still associated with fertility and abundance, but the connection with water has been lost.

HORSE AND MULE FETISHES

Traditionally horse and mule fetishes are used when taking long journeys for protection of the animals. Since traveling through the desert can be perilous this is an important protective fetish.

The modern meaning for horse fetishes is that it brings the owner swiftness, strength, enlightenment and healing.

KOLOWISI & AVANYU FETISHES: see Snake Fetishes

MOLE FETISHES

The mole (K'yaluts'i) holds the underground position in the Six Directions Protective and Healing Animals and the same position in the Six Directions Hunting Animals. Black is the color of the underground, therefore the black mole fetishes are the Elder Brother to all moles.

The modern meaning of the mole fetish is that it brings the power and the energy to protect crops and gardens. Also, they enhance the sensitivity and connection with the earth. There is a mystery that shrouds the attributes of the mole fetish and a misconception that moles protect crops. Even some of the most scholarly books on Zuni fetishes claim that to the Zuni the mole fetish represents protection of garden and crops because in real life "the mole helps prtect growing crops by hunting mice, rodents and other small game that damage those crops." Since the books are based on information received from the Zuni it is mystifying since moles do not eat small game nor mice, they only eat invertebrates. Indeed, worms and insects make up 85-90% of their diet and plant roots and bulbs make up the remaining 10-15%.

In the Southwest, the invertebrates that moles eat are primarily the beneficial ones like earth worms. There are a few harmful insects they eat, such as beetles and grub worms but moles cause more damage than the insects do. They can tunnel 15 feet per day as they forage for food. While they tunnel they damage and eat the root system of plants, which kills the crop. Moles do not protect gardens or crops.

So what is the real meaning behind the mole fetish? Most people are unaware that in the Zuni oral tradition it was the Mole who guided us from the First World into this existence on the earth. When humans of the First World decided to see the world above them, they asked Mole to lead them. As Mole dug into the earth to tunnel upwards, the dirt was passed from human to human in single file while following Mole. Thus the tunnel back to the First World was blocked and humans have remained on the earth unable to return to the First World.

Pre-christian civilizations of the western world also believed that humankind originated from the underworld. Although this knowledge has been lost to most westerners due to religion and science, we can see the evidence of this belief in archeological findings throughout Europe, Egypt, etc. and in writings by people such as Plato. This belief is still active in many traditional cultures worldwide, including the Native Americans.

Perhaps telling the anglos that moles protect gardens and food source was misunderstood by the listener--or perhaps it was said to protect something too sacred to share, or to protect a belief system that routinely gets snickers by the less informed. Whatever the reason, we do know that to the Zuni, the mole occupies a very important position of the Protective and Healing Six Directions Animals--protecting the point of origin of all humanity.

MOUNTAIN LION FETISHES

The mountain lion is the Protective and Healing Six Directions Animal of the North and the Hunting Six Directions Animal of the North. The color representing North is yellow, therefore a yellow mountain lion fetish is the Elder Brother to all mountain lions. This is one of the more commonly seen Zuni fetishes as it brings power and energy in several forms.

Traditionally the mountain lion fetish is used for a successful hunt of big game such as antelope and elk. It is also used traditionally as protection when traveling. The modern interpretation of the mountain lion fetish is that it brings the power and energy of being a resourceful leader.

The older mountain lion fetishes have rather stubby legs and tails that curve upwards and lay flat against their backs. However, with the invention of newer carving tools, mountain lion fetishes come in all shapes. Some have elegant tails that sweep gracefully away from the body and muscled legs ready to pounce with detailed paws with toes and claws.

OWL FETISHES

The owl fetish has several meanings and are common throughout North America. However, to some Native American tribes, such as the Navajo, the owl signals a coming death and they avoid owl fetishes. Traditionally the Pueblo people see owl fetishes as having the energy and power to protect their homes. A departed wise elder will return in the form of the owl to bring an important message in some pueblos, therefore traditionally the owl fetish also has the energy of bringing wisdom and the power of bringing unseen things and secrets out into the light. The modern interpretation is that the owl fetish brings the power and energy of magical transformations and that it helps us to make peace with the shadow self within each of us.

SIX DIRECTIONS ANIMAL FETISHES

There are two major groups of Six Directions Animals. Each direction has a protective animal and a color associated with it.

The directions and colors are: North - yellow, South - red, West - blue, East - white, underground - black and sky - rainbow.

The group of the Protective and Healing Six Directions Animals include: Mountain Lion (North), Badger (South), Bear (West), Wolf (East), Mole (underground) and Eagle (sky).

The group of the Hunting Six Directions Animals include: Mountain Lion (North), Bobcat (South), Coyote (West), Wolf (East), Mole (underground) and Eagle (sky).

SNAKE FETISHES

The old snake fetishes were usually carvings of Kolowisi, the Great Horned Serpent. This snake is known throughout the Pueblos as Kolowisi and Avanyu and although it is known to other Native American tribes by a host of other names the basic meaning remains the same. Kolowisi is the guardian of the springs, rivers and streams and is an important deity. Traditionally, the snake fetish brings the energy and the power to protect the water source, bless the streams, and to bring rain; all of which are the givers of an abundant life in the desert. These snake fetishes often have the appearance of a bolt of lightening or a snake with horns or plumes.

Modern snake (Citdola) fetishes generally depict a coiled pit viper because of the commercial value of them. However, some modern snake fetishes are still carved like Kolowisi or like a bolt of lightening. The modern meaning of the snake fetish is that it brings the energy of a powerful change and transformation much like a death and a re-birth.

TURTLE FETISHES

In most Native American tribes the turtle is an important symbol. Turtle Island is the name of the North American continent and also the entire world above ground. It is said that turtle shells are so hard it can carry the ground, thus humans have been living on Turtle Island ever since we emerged from the First World, which was under the ground. The turtle has long been appreciated for having the power of patience and strength. To the Zuni the turtle is also important because it has a deep connection with water. Archeologists have found images of turtles on Mimbres bowls and on other pottery from ancient civilizations of the desert Southwest.

The turtle fetish is associated with the power to bring water; honoring water as life sustaining and an important commodity of the desert. This fetish also brings the energy of patience, longevity and strength. The modern meaning of the turtle fetish is much the same as the traditional meaning however, the connection to water for those living outside of the desert has been lost.

WOLF FETISHES

Many times the coyote fetish is mistaken for the wolf (Yuna:wik'o) fetish. The modern wolf fetishes are not howling and their tails are not skinny and pointy. Although older wolf fetishes generally had a stubbier or thinner tail, the wolf fetish has a very bushy tail. The wolf is the Protective and Healing Six Directions Animal of the East as well as the Hunting Six Directions Animal of the East. The color that represents the East is white, therefore a white wolf fetish is the Elder Brother of all wolves.

Wolves, once plentiful before ranchers settled in the Southwest, hunted big game to survive. Traditionally, this fetish brings the power and energy of the wolf when hunting antelopes, elk and other large animals. Traditionally it is used for healing. The modern interpretation is that the wolf fetish brings the energy of becoming or being the pathfinder. It is associated with teachers who have new concepts and knowledge to share.

 

Back to Library Index