Native American fetishes can be likened to the
amulets, charms, and talismans of other cultures. They are objects that carry
mystical significance which can have a direct impact on its possessor.
Cultural Significance, Selection, and
Care
Native American fetishes can be likened to the
amulets, charms, and talismans of other cultures. They are objects that carry
mystical significance which can have a direct impact on its possessor. While all
Southwestern tribes make and use fetishes, the Zuni and Navajo are the most
widely known. When the artist who creates the fetish prays over their work, it
is said to release the spirit of the animal into the carving. The animal spirits
are said to bring good luck, protection, and guidance to it’s owner. There are
six main fetishes that are associated with the six cardinal directions, each of
which carry special powers. The North is represented by the mountain lion, the
South is represented by the badger, the West belongs to the bear, and the East
is represented by the wolf.
Selection Guidelines
The most important factors in selecting
a fetish are:
to pick one that you really like.
Whether it be the animal, the art
itself, or a combination of the two,
make sure it speaks to you.
What is it made of? Fetishes are
commonly made of alabaster,
turquoise, coral, jet, and antler,
and the price will vary according to
its medium.
What animal does it represent?
Who carved the fetish? To what
pueblo or tribal group does the
person who carved the fetish belong?
Proper Care
The care of a fetish occurs on
two levels: the physical and the spiritual. Physically, the fetish should be
kept dryand dust free by cleaning it with a soft cloth. On the spiritual level,
the fetish needs to be fed cornmeal on a regular basis to ensure its
effectiveness.
If taken care of and treated
properly, the fetish will guide you on the right path of life. Each animal
fetish has certain special powers.
Animal Symbolism
The following is only a partial list of
some of the more common animal fetishes
and their significance:
Armadillo:
keeper of the home, gets things right
Badger: helps to achieve goals
Bear: strength, protection, insight
Beaver:
progressive builder, promotes family
unity
Buffalo: endurance, perseverance
Coyote:
trickster, the ability to laugh at
oneself, humor
Eagle: connection to the Divine,
transcends personal problems
Fox:
camouflage, protection
Frog: can
be petitioned to bring forth abundant
rain, good luck
Horned Toad: longevity, self-reliance,
conservation
Horse: innate healing powers, freedom
Mole:
amplifies connection with the earth,
keeper of the underground
Mountain Lion: leadership,
resourcefulness
Owl:
keeper of the night, wisdom, intellect,
patience, endurance of the mind,
controls the dark side of nature,
messenger
Ram: used
to obtain abundant herds
Raven:
scratch the raven's beak across an
afflicted person's skull to release its
healing powers
Snake:
powerful animal symbolizing life, death,
and rebirth. To the Aztec, the most
sacred because it is the closest to
Mother Earth.
Turtle:
long, meaningful life, purpose
Wolf: teacher, survivor, pathfinder
Source:
The Mystic Voodoo, 2006. Reprinted
with permission.
|
