ONYX TURTLE FETISH BY NELSON YATSATTIE ZUNI

Description Zuni fetish carver, Nelson Yatsattie hand crafted this marvelous turtle.  Hand carved out of Onyx with Turquoise inlaid eyes.  Zuni turtle fetishes are one of the oldest symbols of Mother Earth and they symbolize longevity.  Signed 3/4” tall x 2  1/2” long x 2” wide 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.