Zuni Wolf Fetish Box

Description

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 wolf fetish hand carved by Donovan Laiwakete (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 also 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 wolf fetish is hand carved from black & white marble, sometimes called Zebra
Rock. Zebra Rock is a type of black and white marble. Zebra Rock can help one to
learn the inner truth of one’s desires, helping to focus on what is wanted rather
than what is not wanted. Its energies allow for greater control over thoughts,
helping one keep in a higher vibration.

To the Zuni, the wolf represents not just successful hunting, but also social consciousness that inspires working together for the good of the group. In Zuni teachings the wolf is one of the six directional fetishes, symbolizing the Guardian of the East. Wolf fetishes are often given to newlyweds in order to invoke the strong family bonds that wolves create. A pair of wolves is often carved together to symbolize mating for life. Wolf gives us inner guidance and clarity; helping us to become a teacher and a pathfinder.

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.

This fetish also has an inlaid turquoise arrow in its body, called the heartline. To the Zuni, the heartline represents the breath as the life force of the animal. The heartline is depicted as an inlaid line in the shape of an arrow that begins at the mouth where breath gives life and points to the soul, or spirit, where faith and inner strength preside.

Donovan Laiwakete is an accomplished Zuni fetish carver who learned the art of Zuni fetish carving from his brother Rodney Laiwakete. Rodney was influenced by Eugene Mahooty, Al Lasiloo, and Lloyd Lasiloo. Donovan’s brother, Bernard, and nephew, Kenric, are also Zuni carvers, as is his cousin, Travis Lasiloo. Donovan’s bear and horse fetish carvings are creative and appealing due to their bold strength and his use of stone and creative heartlines and bundles.

Box measures: 4 3/4″ x 3 3/8″ x 2 7/8 (without the fetish).