Auction Details
In 1978 I was badly injured in a plane crash. My convalescence was slow and steady, and I used alternative healing sources such as acupuncture and vegetable juice. When I finally returned to work, I laid on a picnic table in my office with my phone near my head because my back was immobile. One day shortly after I returned to work, a Zuni fellow came to my office placed fetishes around me, laid his hands on me, and proceeded to chant. He repeated the process several times a week for about six weeks. From that, I learned to appreciate and acknowledge the significance and power of fetishes to the Zuni people. I was told that my healing would be about five years. I was playing racquetball and skiing within six months. While I don’t attribute my healing solely to fetishes, I don’t discount their significance. As with any religious activity, I believe the symbolism strengthens hope and determination. I appreciate fetishes and the Zuni faith in them.
Most tribes have fetishes in their culture; but none to the extent of the Zuni people. Fetishes to them represent directions (6) and creatures that are synonymous with admirable characteristics such as strength, speed, flight, and solitude. To receive the magic and healing with a fetish, a person places the fetish to his mouth and inhales.
Fetishes are adored as a reflection of personal care. Much like a woman wears
makeup and earrings, a fetish feels good when it is adorned. And, like a woman, when it feels good about its care, it is more likely to respond with positive energy for its owner (the fetish, not the woman). In Zuni, fetishes are owned by individuals and clans. They typically live in a bowl with turquoise for prosperity, ashes for warmth, and cornmeal for food. Adornment such as arrowheads do not mean the fetish is for hunting.
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1ADeyuse Leekya turquoise fetishJohn D Kennedy
Deyuse Leekya is the most prominent of the famous Zuni artists and craftsmen. No other Zuni craftsman has the standing of Old Man Leekya and his carv
Start Price : 7,000.00
1FDeyuse Leekya photoJohn D Kennedy
1950's photo for reference. Copy will be provided with sale.
Start Price : 7,000.00
2AAmber fetish necklace by Ron UpshawJohn D Kennedy
Ron Upshaw was one of brothers of the well-known fetish carvers. The brothers, under the guidance of their dad, Frank Turpen and his trading partner,
Start Price : 1,000.00
3AAmber beads carved by Ron Upshaw.John D Kennedy
Ron Upshaw was one of brothers of the well-known fetish carvers. The brothers, under the guidance of their dad, Frank Turpen and his trading partner,
Start Price : 1,000.00
4ARainbow inlay fetish by Prudencia QuamJohn D Kennedy
Fetish was carved in the 80s by Prudencia Quam at Zuni. There are two inserts. The larger (shown) was made by Fred and Lolita Natachu. They made fo
Start Price : 700.00
6AMiniature Pottery Necklace by Daisy NampeyoJohn D Kennedy
Daisy Nampeyo was a granddaughter of the famous Hopi potter, Nampeyo. Her mother was Anne Healing Nampeyo. While a teenage she lived in Paris and s
Sold to paixman for (200.00 + 0.00BP) = 200.00