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Wright's Indian Art > FetishesFetishes bring good luck. Fetishes protect us. Fetishes help us in our endeavors. For at least 16 centuries the Zuni and other Pueblo people have known this, and used fetishes, as shown in archeological finds. In a hostile world beyond individual control, having a little help from the spirits of animals was a comfort: the power and intelligence of the bear, the strength and hunting prowess of the mountain lion, the eagle's access to the heavens, etc. Today, we too can use a little spiritual comfort, and today's fetish carvings are also works of art. Originally naturally occurring stones that resembled a certain animal, fetishes have evolved into simple abstractions or detailed portraits of these same, traditional animals. Some carvers even expand the field to include horses, cattle, goldfish and dinosaurs! The Navajo are especially eager to have fetishes to protect their livestock, and Navajo carvers are increasing. According to the Zuni, it is the owner of a fetish who imbues it with spiritual power, not the carver, so the choice of art or spirit is up to you!
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