This stunning fetish necklace was crafted by the Zuni tribe in the 1970s. The small, detailed beads depict birds, foxes, and bears, set between disc-shaped tortoise shell heishi beads, typically made by the Santo Domingo tribe. The tiny animals carved from blue turquoise, jasper, agate, black jet, mother-of-pearl, and serpentine. This is an excellent Native American double-strand statement necklace from the American Southwest.
Fetish necklaces are sacred adornments for the Zuni and Pueblo tribes. Each carving represents an animal native to the area and embodies its spirit. Offerings of turquoise, feathers, and shells are included in the piece, and some wearers even go so far as to "feed" their animals corn pollen. The fetishes are believed to aid the wearer in addressing issues related to the body or mind.
The necklace is in good vintage condition with some signs of wear. There is one missing fetish, and there are no marks or stamps.
The necklace is 27" long, 3/4" wide, and weighs 34.91 grams.
