Welcome to Zuni Fetish Market — a project that’s been a long time coming.
This isn’t just another online store. It’s a piece of a lifelong connection that started back in the 1990s when I bought my very first Zuni fetish carving from Indian Summer. I didn’t know it at the time, but that little bear — carved by hand from turquoise, simple and strong — was the start of something that would stay with me for decades.
Over the years, I’ve collected dozens of carvings, each one a little spirit of its own. They’re not just souvenirs — they’re storytellers. Each one is carved by a Zuni artisan who carries generations of tradition in their hands. Every animal, from the bear to the wolf, eagle, and badger, represents something sacred — protection, guidance, healing, and courage.
Now, after all these years, I’ve teamed up again with my longtime friends at Indian Summer to bring these carvings online in a way that honors the artists, the culture, and the stories behind them.
Here at Zuni Fetish Market, you’ll find:
-
Authentic Zuni carvings — all hand-carved by Pueblo artisans.
-
New arrivals synced directly from Indian Summer’s gallery.
-
Collections by meaning — whether you’re looking for protection, guidance, love, or strength.
-
And our Daily Featured Fetish page where I’ll spotlight one carving and share what makes it special.
This blog will be my place to talk about the stories behind the stones — the artists, traditions, and symbolism that make these fetishes more than just collectibles. I might wander off into a few personal stories, too. (If you know me, you know I can’t help but tell them.)
If this is your first visit — welcome. Take a look around, explore the collections, and enjoy the craftsmanship that makes the Zuni tradition so unique.
And if you’ve been part of this journey with me from the Indian Summer days, it’s good to see you again.
Here’s to new beginnings — and to keeping old traditions alive.
— Jeff Barton
Founder, Zuni Fetish Market