Bold Bear

This bold bear was carved Bernard Laiwakete from red marble.  It has three turquoise heartlines from its mouth to its heart.  Its eyes are inlaid turquoise.  It feels very good in the hand.  More about bears below.

Size: 2.5" H x 2.25" L x .5" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.