Zuni Bear Fetish Box

Description

Item: B002

This one of a kind silver and stone medicine box has been constructed of Wild Horse magnesite and 26 gauge Sterling silver. The lid is crowned by a genuine Zuni bear fetish hand carved by Hayes Leekya (see below).

Wild Horse Magnesite, also called Wild Horse turquoise, though it is not turquoise, was discovered in the mid 1990’s near the Globe copper mine in the Gila wilderness area of southern Arizona. It may also be found in Africa, China, Brazil, and Europe. Magnesite is a type of calcite, specifically, magnesium carbonate. It is popular because it is encrusted in an aesthetically appealing matrix of hematite. It has a hardness of 3.5 – 5.0 on the Mohs scale. The metaphysical qualities of Wild Horse magnesite are good for boosting creative skills, visualization powers, and reaching deep states of meditation.

Physically it has been used for healing blockages in the torso, de-stressing the mind, easing PMS symptoms, and curing migraines. The Sterling silver fusing the box also strengthens the connection between the astral and physical planes while enhancing the energies of the stone it surrounds. Place your herbs, keepsakes, or medicine in the Native American Medicine box to infuse them with these powerful, timeless energies. Experience the power of Native American Medicine and own an amazingly unique fusion of art and ancient power.

The medicine box has been topped by a genuine Zuni bear fetish, carved from travertine; also called Zuni stone or Leekya stone. It is called this because it comes from land owned by the Leekya family in the Zuni pueblo. To the Zuni, the bear represents immense healing and is a symbol of supreme power, strength, solitude, and introspection. The bear is one of the Zuni’s six main directional guardians, protecting the West. It is believed that the power of the Great Spirit breathes within bear. He is a champion in helping us overcome the depression of the spirit that is often connected with the deep introspective cycle of change and growth.
Bear reminds us that this type of diminishing is actually a necessary state of hibernation. His wisdom reminds us that solitude is an immense power that we all, at times, need to focus on, in order to connect to our inner world. Bear teaches us how to go within and find the primal source that is essential for our survival. The Zuni regard the bear as invaluable when facing change, transition, and growth.
This bear is adorned with a medicine bundle, which is tied to its back with animal sinew, along with a raven carved from turquoise. This bundle of turquoise and red coral is a gift offering to the animal spirit, enhancing its energy and allowing its prayers to be heard more easily. The turquoise arrowhead pointing forward in the medicine bundle defends the fetish from obstacles in the future. Hayes Leekya is the grandson of the most famous fetish carver ever at Zuni, Leekya Deyuse, the Rembrandt of Zuni fetish carvers. Hayes Leekya
carves great happy animals, frogs, livestock and horses. He has also rendered some human figures, such as priests and women. From time to time he does innovative carvings such as chickens on nests with eggs and birds, or dragonflies with mother-of-pearl and turquoise inlaid wings.

Box measures: 4 5/8” X 3 5/8” X 3 1/8” H (without fetish)