Zuni Pueblo Jet Bird Fetish By Barry

Late 20th/Early 21st Century

.5″ H x 1.875″ L x .375″ W

Hand Carved from Jet Stone with 2 Inlaid Turquoise Eyes

Excellent Condition

Barry Yamutewa is a skilled Zuni Pueblo fetish carver known for his realistic depictions of animals and reptiles, often using materials like turquoise, serpentine, picasso marble, and jet. Zuni fetishes are small stone carvings representing animals with spiritual significancebelieved to embody the essence or “medicine” of the creature, aiding in healing, protection, or guidance. Jet (a black stone valued for protection) is a traditional material, especially for darker animals or birds like ravens, crows, or eagles.

Zuni Pueblo Jet Bird Fetishes are traditional hand-carved animal figures from the Zuni people of New Mexico, representing birds (such as crows, ravens, eagles, or blackbirds) crafted from jet, a deep black, glossy stone (a form of fossilized wood). These fetishes hold deep cultural significance in Zuni tradition, embodying the spirit and “medicine” (qualities) of the animal.

Bird fetishes generally symbolize freedom, connection to the divine, clear vision, protection, and spirituality, as birds bridge the earth and sky. Specific birds like ravens or crows often represent wisdom, intelligence, and truth, while eagles serve as messengers to the Creator and guardians of the sky.