Native American Fetishes: Who Are They and What Do They Mean?

By purchasing or collecting Native American fetishes, you can...

...choose your own personal "good luck" charm

...invest in old or new and build a bridge
from traditional to contemporary

What Are Fetishes?

Native American fetishes are representations of Native American animal symbols - carved typically of wood, stone, antler, bone or shell, and represent spirits of animals or forces of nature.

Info Snippet: Did you know... Almost every culture has fetishes, amulets, talismans, charms or good luck pieces.

If a carving is believed to have power, it is a fetish. This power can hurt or help but if treated properly, will help the owners overcome problems. Fetishes can be used by an individual or by the tribe: good luck on the hunt, ceremonial initiations, diagnosing and curing an illness and/or personal protection.

Info Snippet: Did you know... The earliest Native American fetishes are called Ahlashiwe or stone ancients by the Zunis. They were naturally formed stones that seemed to resemble people or animals, sometimes made more realistic with the features accentuated by a carver.

Who Are They and What Do They Do?

Native American fetishes are believed to empower a person or group with the described trait:

Armadillo - methodical, accurate, slow and steady
Badger - can achieve any goal set
Bear - giver of strength
Beaver - a builder and keeper for family unity
Buffalo - endurance
Coyote - clown/humorous
Eagle - connection to the heavenly spirits
Fox - stealth and cunning
Frog - calls upon the spirits to bring rain; fertility
Horned Toad - self-sufficient
Horse - healer
Mole - connection to the earthly spirits
Mountain Lion - leadership
Owl - patience and wisdon
Ram - keeper of the herd
Raven - healing powers
Snake - life, death and rebirth
Turtle - long life
Wolf - teacher and guide for a journey

Fetishes are often seen with a bundle of coral, turquoise or an arrowhead tied to the back or side. These are offerings for favors already received or hoped for.

As you've seen, there are many fetish symbols. There are specific animals that are representatives of the "cardinal points" or the four directions along with Father Sky and Mother Earth. These are the most important because they are the framework for the circle - of life, of the earth, of lessons to be learned, .....

North - the Mountain Lion - leadership and resourcefulness
For the Zuni, the mountain lion is a strong hunting fetish and is carried to insure a successful hunt and protect the hunter. He is also carried by travelers to protect them on their journey.

South - the Badger - the ability to reach a desired goal
The Badger is aggressive and shows perseverance. He is independent and may be sought out for healing based upon its knowledge of herbs.

West - the Bear - strength, inner power to perceive present circumstances
The Bear's attributes are strength, introspection and the power of the soul. He is able to evaluate current environment and the spiritual journey through life.

East - the Wolf - teacher, path finder on the never-ending journey for survival
The wolf symbolizes commitment, sociability and stamina.

Inner Earth - the Mole - keeper of the underground and amplifies connections with the earth
The Mole the protector of growing crops and the underworld.

Heavenly Regions - the Eagle - a soaring spirit that transcends personal problems, a connection to the Divine.
He carried the powers of intuition and creativeness, along with those of healing and spirit.

Info Snippet: Did you know... All Southwestern tribes make and use fetishes.

When Selecting Fetishes to Buy or Collect:

Very old Native American fetishes are almost unrecognizable as an animal
Those made from turpuoise, coral and amber are more expensive than more common dolomite, serpentine, jet or antler.
Does the seller know if it was indeed carved by a Native American and to which tribe does the carver belong?
Older fetishes may appear soiled or dirty - leave them in that condition to maintain their value.

Info Snippet: Did you know... Some Native American fetishes will have an inlaid turquoise or coral "heartline" extending from the mouth to the center of the body. One of the possible explanations for this heartline is that it represents a time in Zuni mythology when animals totally dominated man. The Great Spirit sent a bolt of lightning that turned all man-eating animals into stone. The lightning is represented by an inlaid or painted line. Another possible interpretation is that the heartline gives the fetish healing or medicinal power.

Check back often as I add sources for buying or collecting Native American Fetishes.

If you're interest in collecting or either buying for yourself or giving as an Indian gift, become familiar with it. Visit museums to study the various forms, materials, tribal affiliations and designs. Go to art shows that showcase Native American artisans. Antique shows are also a good venue - go through the booths of vendors selling these items. If they are passionate about what they have for sale, they will answer your questions. And, of course, inter-tribal powwows are excellent venues to look and ask.

You can also go the The Indian Arts and Crafts Association for a listing of registered and certified Native American Artisans.

Above all, anything being marketed as genuine Native American art must legally be just that. The spirit of the law is that any artwork or craft fashioned by a Native American, the artisan must be a member of an Indian Tribe, and their membership has been verified and certified.

These Native American artisans are practicing their art perhaps as a livelihood. And, through their art, they are keeping their culture, history and spirituality alive.

Let me know if you are interested in contacting a Native American artisan. I can help with historic items as well as an appraisal service too! Use my contact form and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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