Native American Zuni Handbuilt Fetish Pots

Description

Native American Tiny Zuni Handbuilt Fetish Pots by Marvelita Phillips

The Zuni fetish pot is a spiritual object for the Zuni people. Each stone encrusted pot will have several small fetish carvings on its exterior and another inside the pot, surrounded by dried seed from corn, squash and tobacco. Fetishes are generally animals and occasionally supernatural spirits each of which helps the Zuni people. The bear, most frequent fetish to appear on pots, has the characteristics of strength, courage and introspection.

The Zuni people believe that as long as the fetishes have food, the people will have food. If a person is in a difficult situation, he or she can offer a prayer to the bear asking for additional strength. If the fetish believes the person is sincere, its spirit leaves the pot and enters the individual’s spirit through his or her mouth. Once the fetish has provided the needed strength, its spirit leaves the individual the same way it entered and returns to its home in the pot.

This type of pot is often given as a gift in the hope that the recipient will never go hungry.