Zuni Horse Fetish Box

Description

Item: B012

This one of a kind silver and stone medicine box has been constructed of Spirit Stone and 26 gauge Sterling silver. The lid is crowned by a genuine Zuni horse fetish hand carved by Hubert Pincion (see below).

Spirit Stone is a type of chalcedony or microcrystalline quartz. Chalcedony comes in a multitude of varieties and Spirit Stone is the Onyx variety. It is formed when silica is deposited in lava gas cavities, which results in the unique bands or stripes that Onyx stones usually exhibit. The word Onyx comes from the Greek word ‘onux’, which means claw or fingernail, because the veins found on the stone look very much like the colors of a fingernail. Onyx may be a multilayered black and white stone, usually with a black base and a white upper layer, but it may also be brown and white, as in sardonyx; or red and white as in carnelian onyx. Onyx has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.0 on the Mohs scale.

A very grounding stone, Onyx is beneficial for those to be thought flighty by nature, or one who is having difficulty concentrating and focusing attention. It is a strengthening stone that may assist one in the approach to a lesson or task with greater self-confidence and determination. Onyx is a wonderful stone for anyone that is under extreme mental or emotional stress, bringing strength, balance, and harmony to the body and mind. It is thought to increase intuition, instinct, and happiness, as well as decreasing sexual desire when it comes with negative energy or habitual nature. Onyx is said to banish grief, enhance self-control, stimulate the power of wise decision making, as well as to assist one in absorbing the energies of
the universe that are most needed.

The Sterling silver fusing the box strengthens the connection between the astral and physical planes while enhancing the energies of the stone it surrounds.

Place your 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 horse fetish is hand carved from soapstone. Soapstone is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of talc, with varying amounts of chlorite and other minerals. It is produced by dynamothermal metamorphism and metasomatism, which occurs in the areas where tectonic plates are subducted, changing rocks by heat and pressure. The carving grades of soapstone are up to 80% talc, which has a hardness of 1.0 on the Mohs scale.

The metaphysical properties of soapstone create a positive energy and calming influence. It assists us in preparing for great change, allowing our ideas and inspirations to expand and develop. It can activate connections between our physical plane and spiritual self, allowing us to give up old patterns.

Horses represent partnerships, strength, power, swiftness, and expanding one’s abilities. Horses also have innate healing powers. Horses are not a traditional animal of the Zuni, but they have carved them for generations for other tribes, or for herd protection.

Hubert Pincion is the only Zuni fetish carver to carve completely by hand. Hubert uses no electric tools, like Dremels. His fetish carvings are made on a cut down cardboard box using only an old penknife and a few files.

His main carving stones are alabaster and soapstone, as they are the softest. Hubert’s highly tender horses are uniformly carved in grey/silver blue mottled soapstone, which lends a realistic and gentle aspect. He loves mare/foal pairs, where the mare is often turning her head downward to nuzzle her foal, or the pair may be peacefully lying down together, with their legs tucked under themselves. He is captivated by the generous temperament of horses.

Box measures: 4 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ x 3 1/8″ (without fetish).