Native American Alabaster Fetish Bear Sterling Silver Necklace.

This necklace is a true work of art. This one features a gorgeous gathering of Navajo bear fetishes. These fetishes have been hand-carved out of Alabaster. Heishi beads of Penn shell and block Turquoise provide the spacing between the fetishes with natural color. Each end of this one is dressed with a Sterling Silver cone with hook-eye and comb clasps. Strung in our shop by the Navajo Indian jewelry artists Begay, this Native American fetish necklace was designed in Richard's shop on the reservation in the 1980s and is 29" long.

Native Americans have always felt a special connection to nature. The belief that all things in nature have a spirit is an integral part of their religions, which is part of what makes their creation of fetishes so important to to their cultures. Fetishes are Native American carving of animals, humans or supernatural figurines believed to have inherent power. The most renowned fetish carvers are the Zuni, who call themselves Asiwi (Ah-she-wee), but many Native American tribes create and use fetishes. It is a Zuni belief that animals are more powerful and like their deities than man. They also believe that both practical and spiritual power reside within their fetishes. The Zuni have used fetishes for many purposes: to make game more plentiful, to enable hunters to catch game and to use in curing ceremonies. They may also be used as protection for the community as well as individuals. There are two major groupings of fetishes (and some overlap between them): protective or healing animals, hunting and prey animals. For example, the mountain lion, an animal of both groups, is a source of leadership and resourcefulness. The bear, protective or healing animal, symbolizes strength, introspection, and a spiritual journey though life. The white bear is medicine. The coyote is a hunting animal of laughter, humor and foolishness, the master trickster who tricks himself. Zuni fetishes are totemic and feature inlaid eyes and heart lines, while those of the Navajo are often known as storytellers and are included in fetish necklaces that serves as mnemonics for traditional stories.

We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted Indian art. And, we recognize it's important to know that the artist is truly a member of a Native American tribe. So, to ensure you that this is the real deal, a Certificate of Authenticity has been included with this item.

CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC