Zuni Bear Medicine Jar

Description

This six ounce medicine jar’s lid has been capped in 26 gauge Sterling silver and is crowned with a genuine Zuni bear fetish, carved from Egyptian marble by Bernard Homer Jr. (see below).

Egyptian Marble is a beautiful and distinctive type of marble that is predominately black with beige and brown lightning bolt patterns throughout. It comes from Egypt and carvers began to use it when it appeared in Zuni after 1990. Marble is a rock resulting from metamorphism, by intense pressure and heat, of limestone or dolomite rock. The word marble comes from the ancient Greek word marmaros, meaning crystalline rock or shining stone. It has a hardness of 3.0 – 5.0 on the Mohs scale.

Marble is used as a cleanser for the blood, skin and systems that help cleanse the body such as the lymphatic and digestive system.

Metaphysically this stone is beneficial for clarity during tantric activities and meditative states. It aids one in control of behavior and thoughts. It improves recall of dreams and provides protection and stability to the physical and emotional state.

The Sterling silver on the lid serves to enhance the energies of the stones around it, while also strengthening the connection between the astral and physical planes.

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 isolation 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 also defends it from obstacles in the future.

Placing your keepsakes, herbs, or medicine in the Native American Medicine Jar infuses them with these powerful, timeless energies. Experience the power of Native American Medicine and own an amazingly unique fusion of art and ancient wisdom.

Bernard Homer Jr. is the son of Bernard Homer Sr. (d.) and Alice Leekya (d.). Alice was the daughter of Leekya Deyuse (d.), one of the most famous Zuni fetish carvers of all time. Bernard Sr. learned the art of Zuni fetish carving from Leekya Deyuse, and kept his carvings in the style of his father-in-law. Today, Bernard Homer Jr. and his sister, Juana Homer, keep their father’s and grandfather’s style of fetish carving alive.

Jar measures: 3 1/4″ tall x 2 1/2″ diameter (without fetish)

Design Concept and project coordination by Native American Medicine Company, headed by WB Freeman.

This medicine box was constructed by Sun Arc Jewelry Arts, with master craftsmanship by Pat McCartney, who has created distinctive jewelry and stonework for over 40 years, cutting her first stones at 13 years of age.

The fetish used by Native American Medicine Company was collected by Zuni Fetish gallery, led by Dave Dozark, who has traded in Zuni fetishes for over 20 years.

Box construction materials provided by Bruce Barlow of Barlow’s Gems, a foremost purveyor of minerals and gemstones in the Southwest.

The bear fetish was hand carved by Bernard Homer Jr., a tribesman of the Shiwi people, residing in the pueblo of Zuni, in the northwest corner of New Mexico.