Cochiti Turtle Fetish Box

Description

Item:B003

This one of a kind silver and stone medicine box has been constructed of Chrysocolla Cuprite and 26 gauge Sterling silver. The lid is crowned with a genuine Cochiti turtle fetish, hand carved by Salvador Romero (see below).

Chrysocolla Cuprite, also known as Sonora Sunset, and sometimes Sonora Sunrise, is named for the lovely and colorful sunsets over the Sonoran Desert, from which it is found. The blue/green is Chrysocolla, the red is Cuprite, and the black is Iron. Chrysocolla is named from the Greek chrysos (gold) and kola (glue), in allusion to the name of the material used to solder gold. Cuprite is named from the Latin, cuprum, meaning copper. This Chrysocolla Cuprite is from the Milpillas Mine in Sonora, Mexico. Its hardness ranges from 2.0 to 7.0 on the Mohs scale.

Chrysocolla is known as a healing stone among Native American Indian cultures where it was used for strengthening the body’s resistance and bringing about calm feelings of tranquility. Metaphysically, chrysocolla is associated with serenity, tranquility, peace, patience, tolerance, acceptance, unconditional love, meditation, calmness, hope, gentleness, and sensitivity. Cuprite assists us in dealing with female relationships, mother, sister, daughter, wife or a female partner. It is also said to be helpful in dealing with major problems: irrational anxieties, terror from past traumas, and fear of dying. This stone is a powerful gateway that gives vigor and vitality to the soul to fight the challenging situations of the life.

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 Cochiti turtle fetish carved from a piece of natural stone found on the Cochiti Pueblo by Salvador Romero, the carver.

To most Native American peoples, the turtle represents Mother Earth. They are the symbol of tenacity, protection, longevity, and fertility. The turtle is associated with self-reliance, non-violent defense, and being a skillful navigator through life’s obstacles.

Salvador Romero is an eminent carver from Cochiti Pueblo. He scours the pueblo grounds for the proper, natural stones that promise to be housing animal spirits. His method for finding the natural stone gives his pieces a distinct look. He says that the search takes longer than the carving itself. Though fetishes are mainly considered a Zuni tradition, Romero, a Cochiti Indian, is returning the fetish to its more primitive form. One major difference between Salvador’s work and the Zuni, is the degree of finish work. Salvador’s work is more basic, more impressionistic. His view is that the creature already exists within the material and it is not necessary to include every detail in order to release the power of the creature. Salvador is a man of few words and prefers to let his art speak for him.