Bill Tsikewa Zuni Dolomite Bear Fetish & Gold Lip MOP Turquoise Coral Offering

Description

The Zuni Indians are a pueblo tribe from western New Mexico who have inhabited that region since at least 1100 AD.  Zuni fetishes are hand carved pieces of natural materials, depicting animals or other symbols of the Zuni connection to nature and all that is.  These fine carvings have many uses: for trade, religious ceremonial use, luck in hunting, ensuring rain, enhancing fertility and propagation, diagnosing and curing disease, or any area of their lives where they feel help is needed.
Bill Tsikewa is the grandson of Teddy Weahkee (d.) and the son of David (d.) and Mary (d.) Tsikewa. His siblings include Lavinia Tsikewa Kaskalla (d.), and Annette and Jennie Tsikewa. His carving style is indicative of his ancestry, with bold, straightforward representations of traditional Zuni animals. Tsikewa pieces are getting harder to find as collectors are becoming reluctant to part with them. This particular carving was purchased more than three decades ago and has since been held privately.
The stone is dolomite and may well be a found stone.  The eyes of the bear are inlaid of jet and the offering consists of a gold lip Mother-of-pearl arrowhead with turquoise, red coral and heishe beads tied with sinew. The fetish is unsigned but that is not uncommon.  The distinctive style of the carving instantly identifies it as a Bill Tsikewa.
The bear is the
Guardian of the West. The bear is associated with great strength, power, healing and self-knowledge. He is the great protector, the "sacred bear".  He is a spiritual guide and also carries within him supernatural powers.  Bear is a powerful healing fetish.
This fetish comes from my personal collection, I purchased it new in the 1990's.  I have collected Southwestern items since the 1970's.
Never out of style, Southwestern art is an investment in enjoyment to last a lifetime.
Questions???  Please ask before purchasing to avoid any misunderstandings.
Measurements:  2 3/4" long x 1 1/2" tall x 1/2" wide
You can see more Indian items in my eBay store.