recently i made a group of animal-fetishes. a fetish is a little animal carving (usually found in Native-American medicine) that was thought to possess the soul, spirit, or energy of the animal it represented. the person who owns the fetish will offer it food, drink, prayer, and sometimes even jewelry, in exchange for its protection.

i made these fetishes for my brothers' and father's historical re-enactment group for them to sell. *I AM OFFERING CARVED FETISH COMMISSIONS, IF YOU ARE INTERESTED*

*~~*

this Black Bear fetish was the second i made, and is, consequently, the smallest.

the bear represents protection from all harm - whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual - persistence despite life's trials, and faith in your fate, and in those around you.

*~~*

PLEASE NOTE: while i did do research on how Zuni animal fetishes are made, and some of their meanings, i did not take the meanings directly from any book, website, or other source. i took the meanings from what i know of the animal - and from the message i got from the carving itself, while making it.

AS WELL - please do not purchase a fetish to replace a tried-and-true therapy. if you are sick with a physical or mental illness, a fetish will only enhance the treatment you are already receiving from your doctor, therapist, psychologist, etc. so, for example, if you've been diagnosed with terminal cancer, don't just buy a white bear fetish and expect everything to be okay. please proceed with your treatment, and use the fetish as a little extra "boost", not a "suppliment".