Zuni Bear Fetish Box

Description

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

Verdite is the trade name for a Fuchsite based, dark-green metamorphic rock discovered in South Africa. Verdite is considered to be a variety of fuchsite, which in turn, is a variety of muscovite. The green color of verdite is due to traces of chromium. It has been used by South African natives for hundreds of years as an ornamental stone and for amulets. It has a hardness of 3.0 on the Mohs scale. Verdite is also thought to impart power and wisdom. It is also associated with reliability, fertility, strength, and honesty. Verdite is thought to benefit the heart chakra, which is associated with decision making, love, compassion and psychic healing.

Metaphysically, Verdite assists in the retrieval of wisdom and regaining memories of past lives. Verdite helps you to be more in control of your life, corrects mental and emotional imbalances, and assists the conscious direction of healing energy toward problem areas. Physically, verdite is believed to benefit the skin, hands, the lungs, the endocrine system, and the thymus gland. Verdite may be used to cleanse the blood, treat disorders of the heart, provide anti-poison during toxic states, assist in raising diminished oxygenation within the body, counterbalance dizziness, and treat genital disorders.

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.

This medicine box has been topped by a genuine Zuni bear fetish carved from sodalite. The mineral sodalite forms in igneous rocks that crystallize from sodium-rich magma. It has a hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, and is usually royal blue to blue-violet in color, often with white veining.

The metaphysical qualities of the stone sodalite can help one with communication, logic, rationality, poetry, self-esteem, glandular problems, diabetes, and digestion.

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.

The fetish includes a medicine bundle tied to its back by animal sinew. These bundles are meant as a gift offering to the animal spirit. The bundles provide the animal spirit with energy, enhancing its powers and allowing its prayers to be heard more easily. The arrowhead pointing forward defends it from obstacles in the future.

Emery Eriacho is one of the most prolific carvers from Zuni. His sweet little sad-faced bears appeal to a very wide audience. Emery grew up in Southern California and, as a teenager, came across some Zuni bear carvings in a nearby shop. He was so delighted by them that he decided to move back to Zuni and become a carver. Emery’s early mentors were Andres Quam and Daisy Natewa. Their influence can be seen in his work, yet he has managed to establish his own style over time. One of Emery’s most appealing skills is his ability to find the best aspects of the materials he uses. His deft handling of the stone is further accentuated by his ability to find the most moving presentation of its grain or matrix. The bundles he adds to each bear serve as a compliment to complete his perfect little creations.

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