Zuni Pueblo Animal and Bird Fetish Necklace [SOLD]

Fetish necklaces are always unique because no two have the same animals or birds depicted. This necklace is one of the most spectacular because of the variety of animals and birds and the variety of minerals and sizes. This necklace has creatures made from abalone, mother of pearl and other shells, and minerals such as jet, turquoise, and fossilized ivory. Some of the creatures are mounted through a hole through their center and others are mounted through a hole on their underside—a style made popular by Leekya Deyuse of Zuni. The fetishes vary in size, the smallest being ¾ inch and the largest measuring 1-½ inch. It is this variety of materials, creatures, and sizes that make this such an outstanding necklace.

It is likely that the necklace dates to the 1960s.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: this Zuni Pueblo Animal and Bird Fetish Necklace is from the estate of a resident of Texas

Recommended Reading: Bahti, Mark. Spirit in the Stone: A Handbook of Southwest Indian Animal Carvings and Beliefs

TAGS: Zuni Pueblo, Southwest Indian Jewelry