Vintage Zuni Fetish Necklace
Bears, Birds, Fox | Multi-Stone | 32"

A vintage three-strand Zuni fetish necklace featuring 66 hand-carved stone animal figurines — predominantly bears, along with birds and fox — strung on fine shell heishi beads, with a large bear as a drop pendant at center. Every carving is unique; no two fetishes are alike — there are no stamp-presses or assembly lines in this tradition. 

The carvings span a wide range of natural materials: sky-blue turquoise, orange-red coral, pale peach and terra cotta soapstone, translucent golden amber, olive and mottled green serpentine, black jet, pyrite-flecked matrix stone, and purple-mauve rhodonite-type stone. Many figures carry small turquoise inlay eyes. The strands terminate in sterling silver cone ends with a hand-formed S-hook clasp — a hallmark of traditional Southwestern jewelry construction.

Fetish carving has been part of Zuni Pueblo culture for hundreds of years. These multi-strand necklaces string together small hand-carved animal figures drilled and strung with shell heishi beads, made by a single artist, a family, or a collaborative group of carvers.

Each animal carries meaning. The bear represents strength, courage, wisdom, and endurance — a healing and introspective spirit. The fox is associated with cunning and adaptability; birds serve as messengers between the earthly and spiritual. The variety of animals and stones makes this a visually rich and culturally layered piece with strong collector appeal.

CONDITION

Good overall. Heishi strands are intact with no visible breaks or fraying. Sterling silver cone ends show patina and oxidation consistent with age. Individual fetish carvings display minor surface wear and occasional slight edge roughness typical of hand-carved stone — no carvings appear missing. Stone colors remain vivid throughout. All flaws visible in photos.

SPECIFICATIONS