NATIVE AMERICAN ZUNI CHRYSOCOLLA TURTLE FETISH BY KENRIC LAIWAKETE

Description Zuni turtle fetishes are one of the oldest symbols of Mother Earth and they symbolize longevity.  Hand made by Zuni fetish carver Kenric Laiwakete, this marvelous Turtle fetish is made out of Chrysocolla and has a Sun Face made out of Turquoise, Apple Coral, Jet, and Mother of Pearl Shell on its back.  For the Zunis, the Sun symbolizes abundance, positive energy, happiness and peace.  Signed 5/8” tall x 2  13/16” long x 2  1/16” wide Artist card included Zuni fetishes are carvings made from various materials by the Zuni people.  Traditionally, fetishes served a ceremonial purpose for their creators and they represented animals and figures that were part of their culture.  Today, as a form of Native American Art, they are sold to collectors worldwide.  With a myriad of materials like turquoise, shell, jet, marble, serpentine, and much more, Zuni fetish carvers are able to create carvings in a style of their own.