Adobe Gallery Blog

There were several artisans at Zuni Pueblo in the mid-1900s who became famous for their carvings of small bird and animal fetishes from a variety of stones and shells. The miniature fetishes were strung with hieshe and grouped in strings to form beautiful necklaces. Certainly two of the most famous were Leekya Deyuse (ca.1889 - 1966) and David Tsikewa (1915 - 1970). There were others and I am sure some knowledgeable collector or dealer could name them all and probably identify their works, but, unfortunately, I am not able to do so with this particular necklace.

There are five strands and each strand has 33 fetishes of birds and animals, for a total of 165 fetishes. Each strand is comprised of fetishes, hieshe and small turquoise cylinders. Silver cones tie the ends together and a handmade silver clasp completes the assembly. Each fetish carving is delicate and well executed. It is a strikingly beautiful necklace.

Condition: original condition
Provenance: from the personal collection of Margaret Gutierrez, Santa Clara Pueblo
Recommended Reading: Zuni Jewelry by Theda and Michael Bassman

Subject: Zuni Pueblo Five-strand Fetish Necklace
Unknown Maker
Category: Necklaces
Origin: Zuni Pueblo
Medium: variety of stones, shell
Size: 29" end to end
Item # C3371C