Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2010 School for Advanced Research.
Carving, duck
Date: c. 1970
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Overall: 2 x 3 cm (13/16 x 1 3/16 in.)
Medium: cowry shell | jet | turquoise | pipestone | mussel shell
Credit Line: Gift of the Estate of Barbara Latham Cook.
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: SAR.1989-22-32
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksOctavius Seowtewa during collection review visit February 17 and 18, 2010 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 4”): This is a carving of a duck. The materials used are cowry shell, jet, turquoise, pipestone, and pink mussel. The beak is made with the pink mussel.
Though small carvings such as this, usually depicting an animal, are frequently referred to as “fetishes,” it is important to note that they are not true fetishes. True fetishes are made and used specifically for spiritual or ceremonial purposes and uses. This type of item, however, is made specifically for sale. It is more appropriate to refer to commercially-made figures of this type as “carvings.”
Carvings produced for commercial purposes depict a wide variety of animals, but there are only six animal depictions that can become true fetishes. They are animals that are associated with the six directions, which are each associated with a particular color. The six animals should be carved from a stone that is the color of the associated direction. The six animals and their corresponding directions/colors are: Mountain Lion-North-Yellow; Bear-West-Blue; Badger-South-Red; Wolf-East-White; Eagle-Sky (Up)-Multi-color; Mole or Shrew-Underworld (Below)-Black. Any of these six animal carvings can become a true fetish, IF it is given a spiritual life by certain Zuni religious leaders. These fetishes would be used by Zuni people for protection, and by Zuni hunters, depending on which animal is chosen for the fetish, for assistance in the hunt.
In Collection(s)
The Indian Arts Research Center, in collaboration with Native American community scholars, strives to present accurate collections records. Records may be updated as new information becomes available and is reviewed with the Native American community having cultural affinity to particular items. Please write to iarc@sarsf.org if you have questions or concerns related to the documentation.