ZUNI TURQUOISE FROG FETISH BY BERNARD LAIWAKETE

Description In prehistoric times, frog carvings appeared in jewelry.  Zuni frog fetishes are associated with rain, abundance, and fertility.  Zuni fetish carver Bernard Laiwakete hand crafted this marvelous frog out of Turquoise and on his back is an inlaid sun face made out of Turquoise, Coral, and Mother of Pearl Shell.  Signed. 3/4″ tall x 1  5/8” long x 1  1/2” 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.