NATIVE AMERICAN ZUNI SHELL TURTLE FETISH BY ANDREW QUAM

Description Zuni turtle fetishes are one of the oldest symbols of Mother Earth and they symbolize longevity.  Zuni fetish carver Andrew Quam hand crafted this wonderful Turtle out of Green Snail Shell, Mother of Pearl Shell, Melon Shell, Coral, and Turquoise.  Signed 1/2″ tall x 1  1/2” long x 1  1/8” 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.