Birds

Zuni carver, Herbert Halate, carved this raven for jet.  He detailed the feathers and inlaid turquoise eyes.  He gave it a turquoise offering for the bundle.

Size: 1.25" H x 4.25" L x .675" W

Ravens are powerfully intelligent birds that mate for life.  They have learned how to live with us in urban areas, as well as near bodies of water and forests.  Ravens feature prominently in many creation stories of Native American nations, including in the Pacific Northwest where they stole fire from the sun for humans to use.  Many people, including us, have had extraordinary experiences with ravens.

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.

This sweet, dolomite quail with inlaid turquoise eyes was carved by Derrick Kaamasee.  It has one wing stretched out and will hopefully remind you to also stretch your wing!  As with all of Derrick's carvings, this one is impeccably detailed. 

Size: 2.25" H x 2.5" L x 2.125" W

Quail are small peaceful birds that make the sweetest sound of three chirps.  The males and females take excellent care of their young.   They always bring us joy when we see them in the wild with their babies.

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.

Zuni carver, Marvelita Phillips, carved this precious little owl from serpentine.  The eyes are inlaid turquoise.  So much wisdom in a small package!  More about owls below.

Size: 1.25" H x 1" Diameter

Owls are birds of the night who fly silently with excellent vision.  They are predators who hunt at night and sleep during the day. They, as do most raptors, communicate between this world and the next.

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.

Cheryl Beyuka carved this rain blessing bird from silverado jet which has a metallic sheen.  The eyes are inlaid red coral, and it wear a necklace of pearls, laps, red coral, turquoise, and Mother of Pearl.  There is enough space between the wings to place offerings of corn meal, tobacco, or whatever feels right to you.

Size: 1.5" H x 3" L x 1.875" W

Birds are seen as messengers between this world and the spirit world.

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.

This large Rain Blessings Bird was carved by Cheryl Beyuka from travertine and has inlaid coral eyes.  It's the largest rain bird we've ever seen Cheryl carve.  Coral, turquoise, lapis, and heishi make up the necklace offering.  The center is carved out with crushed turquoise inside.  "Cheryl Beyuka" and "Zuni Pueblo" are carved into the bottom. 

Size: 1.5" H x 5.875" L x 3" W

Birds are seen as messengers between this world and the spirit world.

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.

This graceful magpie has a red coral berry in its mouth.  Calvert Bowannie carved it from black marble and inlaid Mother of Pearl on its wings, and has inlaid turquoise eyes.  The tail is gracefully long with detailed feathers, as are the wings.  "CB" is carved under the feet.

Size: .975" H x 3.5" L x .675" W

Seeing a magpie in the early morning is a sign of something good coming your way. Birds are understood to be messengers between this world and the spirit world.

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.

You can almost hear this raven in your favorite natural spot, whether at the bead, the woods, or the desert. making that rumbling sound in the back of their throats.   Derrick Kaamasee carved it out of jet and inlaid turquoise eyes.  As always, he detailed the open beak and tongue, the feathers, and claws.  "Zuni" and Derrick's hallmark are carved into the bottom  More about ravens below.

Size: 2.25" H 2.25" L x 1.375" W

Ravens are powerfully intelligent birds that mate for life.  They have learned how to live with us in urban areas, as well as near bodies of water and forests.  Ravens feature prominently in many creation stories of Native American nations, including in the Pacific Northwest where they stole fire from the sun for humans to use.  Many people, including us, have had extraordinary experiences with ravens.

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.

Zuni carver, Tim Lementino, carved this marble raven from black marble and inlaid turquoise eyes.  It is happily in full flight!  Tim's initials are engraved on the bottom.

Size: .375" H x 1.5" L x 1.25" W

Ravens are powerfully intelligent birds that mate for life.  They have learned how to live with us in urban areas, as well as near bodies of water and forests.  Ravens feature prominently in many creation stories of Native American nations, including in the Pacific Northwest where they stole fire from the sun for humans to use.  Many people, including us, have had extraordinary experiences with ravens.

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.

This golden eagle has a very serious look on its face.  We suppose listening to so many prayers and taking them to the Creator is serious business, so we aren't surprised.  It was carved by Tim Lementino from Zuni Pueblo.  The materials are white marble, Picasso marble, and inlaid turquoise eyes.  Tim's initials are carved on the bottom.

Size: 1" H x 2.375" L x .875" W

Raptors have many meanings in Native America.  The eagle is the most sacred since it sees the furthest and flies the highest.  It is considered as a messenger to take our prayers to the Creator.  In Zuni Pueblo, eagles are also the guardian of the sky world.  Hawks have a similar meaning, but not as powerful as the eagle.  For some Indigenous people, hawks are the smaller siblings of eagles.

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.

This humorous owl by Lynette Laate has bright, big blue turquoise eyes with jet centers.  The body is shimmering Mother of Pearl.  Lynette did a meticulous carving job, detailing the feathers and feet, front and back.

Size: 1.25" H x .875" L x .125" W

Owls are birds of the night who fly silently with excellent vision.  They are predators who hunt at night and sleep during the day. They, as do most raptors, communicate between this world and the next.

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.

This soaring owl was carved from antler by Ethan Lowsayatee from Zuni Pueblo.  It has intricately detailed feathers, feet, and inlaid turquoise eyes.  It is attached to an antler base.  Inspirational!

Size: 4.125" H x 2" L x 1.125" W

Owls are birds of the night who fly silently with excellent vision.  They are predators who hunt at night and sleep during the day. They, as do most raptors, communicate between this world and the next.

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.

This soaring owl was carved from antler by Ethan Lowsayatee from Zuni Pueblo.  It has intricately detailed feathers, feet, and inlaid turquoise eyes.  Inspirational!

Size: 4.125" H x 1" L x 1.125" W

Owls are birds of the night who fly silently with excellent vision.  They are predators who hunt at night and sleep during the day. They, as do most raptors, communicate between this world and the next.

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.

Cheryl Beyuka carved this beautiful swan from gold lip Mother of Pearl.  One side is shimmering white with golden accents, and the other side is golden and brown.  The engraved flowers with red coral centers enhance the serene energy of this lovely carving.  Swans are one of our feathered relatives who mate for life and are fierce protectors of their mates and young.

Small size: .875" H x 1.25" L x .125" W

Large size: 1" H x 2" L x .2" W

We don't know why this raven seems to be so happy, but we like it!  It was carved from jet by Tim Lementino and has inlaid turquoise eyes.  More about ravens below.

Size: 1.25" H x 2" L x .75" W

Ravens are powerfully intelligent birds that mate for life.  They have learned how to live with us in urban areas, as well as near bodies of water and forests.  Ravens feature prominently in many creation stories of Native American nations, including in the Pacific Northwest where they stole fire from the sun for humans to use.  Many people, including us, have had extraordinary experiences with ravens.

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.

These three vigilant eagles were carved by Mike Tuscon from jet, and Mother of Pearl.  It looks like they can see in each direction, perhaps looking for their next snack?  Each of them has inlaid turquoise eyes, detailed beaks, claws, and feathers all around.  They are perched on an antler tree with the bark detailed.  "M Tuscon" and "Zuni" are carved into the bottom.  More about eagles below.

Size: 3.875" H x 3" L x .875" W

The eagle is the most sacred of all the birds since it sees the furthest and flies the highest.  It is considered as a messenger to take our prayers to the Creator.  In Zuni Pueblo, eagles are also the guardian of the sky world.  Their feathers are utilized dance regalia and in ceremonial fans, staffs, and more.

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.

Zuni carver Enrike Leekya carved this elegant swan from fish rock serpentine.  It has turquoise eyes and a detailed jet beak.  the wings are detailed.  We appreciate the graceful long neck!

Size: 2.5" H x 2.25" L x .875" W

Swans are the largest of all waterfowl, and one of the largest of all flying birds.  Swans usually mate for life, although "divorce" sometimes occurs, particularly following nesting failure, and if a mate dies, the remaining swan will take up with another.

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.

This perky Golden-eyed Owl was carved by Kevin Quam from Zuni Pueblo.  Its brilliant eyes were carved from golden mother of pear and have turquoise in the center.  Five inlaid turquoise dots adorn the front and sides of the body.  There so many details!  The body, wings, beak, tail and feet are well detailed.  KQ is engraved on the bottom. More about owls below.

Size: 2" H x 1.25" L x .75" W

Owls are birds of the night who fly silently with excellent vision.  They are predators who hunt at night and sleep during the day. They, as do most raptors, communicate between this world and the next.

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.