Zuni Jet Fetishes – Sacred Carvings of Strength, Memory, and Protection

Among traditional Zuni fetishes, carvings made from jet carry deep meaning. Jet, a black fossilized wood formed over millions of years, symbolizes protection, grounding, and ancestral wisdom. Its dark surface reflects strength through stillness — a reminder that quiet power often runs the deepest.

In Zuni and other Native traditions, the color black is associated with the west, introspection, and the strength found in reflection. It represents the fertile soil from which all things grow and the night sky where dreams and guidance reside. In carvings, black stones like jet embody balance, endurance, and the courage to face the unknown.

Zuni jet fetishes are prized for their smooth finish and calm energy. Many believe they absorb negativity and carry the wisdom of the earth’s ancient forests. Commonly used for Bears, Moles, and other guardian carvings, jet is known to strengthen intuition and provide emotional stability.

Collectors appreciate jet Zuni fetishes for their understated beauty and depth of meaning. Each piece connects the past to the present, grounding its owner with ancestral energy, clarity, and strength.