Bernard Laiwakete

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.

Bernard Laiwekete carved this wild looking bear from bowlerite, which is recycled bowling balls.  He inlaid turquoise eyes, and a double heartline.  The "stone" is highly dimensional on both sides and it would be easy to get lost in the layers!  "BL" and "Zuni" carved into bottom

Size: 1.375" H x 3.25" L x 1" 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.

Bernard Laiwekete carved this Red Roan Pony from bowlerite, which is recycled bowling balls...how cool!  The eyes and heartline are inlaid turquoise.  Even though the material is resin, this pony feels very good in the hand.

Size: 1.325" H x 3" L x .5" W

Many Native American people believe that horses were in North America before the colonizers arrived.  Many Native American people have special relationships with horses, and this was evident during the camps at Standing Rock to protect and defend the river.  They represent freedom and safety in travel.  And for those of us lucky enough to have had a powerful relationship with horses, they make wonderful friends.

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.