The Orca, often called the Killer Whale, holds deep symbolic meaning for many coastal Native cultures — a guardian of family, strength, and emotional intelligence. Though not native to the Southwest, Zuni carvers honor the Orca’s spirit as a powerful representation of loyalty, intuition, and the deep bonds that unite us.
Zuni Orca fetishes are carved with graceful black-and-white contrast from stones like jet and marble, capturing the animal’s dynamic movement and protective energy. The Orca embodies balance between strength and gentleness, mirroring the way it leads and nurtures its pod — family above all else.
Collectors treasure these carvings for their message of unity and insight. The Orca reminds us that wisdom flows not only from solitude, but from connection — to kin, to community, and to the greater rhythm of life’s vast ocean.
