Zuni Badger Fetish Box

Description

Item: B007

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 by a genuine Zuni badger fetish hand carved by Karen Zunie (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 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 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 Zuni badger fetish carved from pipestone, also called Catlinite. Catlinite is a kind of metamorphosed mudstone that forms in a matrix of Sioux Quartzite. Catlinite quarries are located at the Pipestone National Monument in Pipestone, Minnesota, in the USA, and at the Pipestone River in Manitoba, Canada. Catlinite that comes from the Pipestone quarries is known as the second softest rock in the world. It lies under Sioux Quartzite, which considered the second hardest rock in the world. It is the sacred red clay stone that’s traditionally used as a ceremony stone in Native American ceremonies. It’s also often used for making talismans, totems, and ceremonial pipes. Catlinite can only be found in a few locations in the world, with the best quality Catlinite coming from South Western Minnesota. The clay in this stone is very smooth to touch, and it can also be quite easily carved. When polished, it exhibits a very nice shine.

To the Zuni, the badger is one of the directional animals, representing the South, as well as the color red. The badger controls the functioning of agriculture. Though small in size, it is powerful and strong-willed, enabling it to be victorious over animals sizably larger. When cornered it shows boldness, fearlessness, and determination. Badgers symbolize affection and constancy, never quitting until the goal objective has been achieved. They live near the soil and have extreme awareness of earth.

Karen Zunie is a talented Zuni Pueblo fetish carver whose detailed carvings of birds, wolves, and bobcats are attractive and popular among Zuni fetish buyers. Karen’s mother, Verna Zunie, is also a Zuni carver along with her brother-in-law, Wilfred Cheama, and nephew, Cody Cheama. Karen’s former husband, Lance Cheama, is also a well-known Zuni fetish carver.

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