Today feels like a good day to pause from the daily uploads and talk about the source of everything this site celebrates: Zuni Pueblo, the home of the artists who bring these carvings to life.
Zuni Pueblo (A:shiwi) is located in western New Mexico and is known for its strong artistic traditions that have been preserved and passed down for centuries. The community is widely respected for its work in jewelry, pottery, painting, and of course, fetish carving, which is one of the most recognized art forms of the Pueblo.
A Community Rooted in Art
For many Zuni families, carving is not just a profession. It is part of daily life. Skills are often taught within families, with children learning from parents and grandparents. Many of the artists represented on this site grew up surrounded by tools, stones, and the stories behind the animals they carve.
Each carving represents:
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A connection to ancestral traditions
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A blend of spiritual meaning and artistic expression
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Hours of careful hand-work using stone, shell, bone, or antler
It is always worth remembering that Zuni fetishes are not mass-produced. They are made one at a time by living artists in a living community.
Why This Matters Today
As we continue adding new fetishes to the site and telling the stories behind them, it is important to stay grounded in appreciation for the source. Every carving on Zuni Fetish Market comes from a long line of cultural knowledge and artistic skill. When a customer purchases a carving, they are supporting not only the artist, but the continuation of a tradition that is hundreds of years old.
Animal Symbolism in Zuni Tradition
Since today’s featured fetish is a dog, it is a good time to highlight that each animal carries its own meaning in Zuni stories. Dogs are known as:
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Loyal protectors
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Faithful companions
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Guardians of the home
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Watchful and brave
Every animal has a purpose. Every carving carries a spirit.
Seasonal Note
This time of year is traditionally a period of preparation, reflection, and community within many Pueblo cultures. Winter months often bring families together, and artists devote more time to carving and crafting indoors. It is a busy season for creativity and storytelling, which means it is also a great time for collectors to discover new pieces.
A Message From Me
As I continue to build this site and share these carvings with all of you, I feel it is important to take moments to acknowledge and honor where these pieces come from. Zuni Pueblo is a place with deep roots, rich culture, and extraordinary talent. This site exists because of the artists who keep those traditions alive every day.
Thank you for supporting them by visiting, reading, collecting, and learning.
More news and features coming soon.
— Jeff Barton
Founder, Zuni Fetish Market