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In an effort to keep Zunispirits.com a fresh, innovative place to hang out, Dave and I have created a "channel" at Youtube.com and uploaded a series of video productions utilizing Dave's fabulous still images plus a little creativity from me! You may subscribe to the channel so that you will be notified every time a new video goes up, or you may simply click on the link at the top (under Zuni fetishes) to view at your leisure. |
RECENTLY SOLD
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CLICK HERE For an archive of all sold items, 2009
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OUR BOOK
ZUNI SPIRITS: A Portfolio of Fine Zuni Fetish Carvings
A Portfolio Of Fine Zuni Fetish Carvings
by David Austin Riggs & Darlene Meader Riggs
Over 300 full color photos
160 pages - Black Linen Hardcover, glossy dustjacket
8.5" x 10" - Signed upon request
$107. (US Priority) ///// $112. (OS Priority)/////$126. (Express International)
Softcover edition $73.50 (shipped domestically)
Email your book order at this link.
"Longtime art dealers and art lovers David Austin Riggs and Darlene Meader Riggs take the reader on a loving journey into the artistry of Zuni fetish carvings. More than 300 lush photographs are accompanied by expert explanations of these tiny treasures. Whether you collect fetish carvings or just love them from afar, this book will provide much enjoyment. A must-have for the serious collector!"
NATIVE PEOPLES MAGAZINE, Nov/Dec, 2009
"The outstanding contribution of ZUNI SPIRITS is the larger than life size of the photos. Fetishes are hard to capture because they are small, shiny and depth of field is necessary to show detail. This book has full page photographs of many of the pieces. It also shows many fetishes from several angles, something nobody has done before."
GALLUP JOURNEY, Jan., 2010
And from a few of our collectors:
"I had very high expectations of this book and every one has been exceeded. The photos are exquisite, beautifully produced on black pages. The text generously shares some of Darlene and David's experiences in Zuni and on their journey as collectors. The book captures perfectly the special allure the carvings clearly have for so many around the world. Would make a GREAT gift for anyone interested in Zuni fetishes or just an excellent treat for yourself. Impossible to recommend too highly!"
A.M., New Zealand
"Reading your book is like taking a tour of a Zuni fetish museum only more up close and personal, and it is a tour that one can take again and again. David's photos are superb, and when coupled with Darlene's text, reflect their love not only for the carvings themselves, but for the Zuni people and their culture. Bravo!"
B. T., California
"Closest thing to being there.' Viewing Dave's photos is close to holding the carvings in your hands, right up to your face. Darlene's writing brings you in on their visits to Zuni and experiences meeting the carvers. I'm reading the book slowly to extend my enjoyment."
I. S., Connecticut
Our book was published last fall and we have a few copies on hand. You can read more about our book here, or check out more collector comments at this link!
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The Zuni Fetish Story
Zuni fetishes are a part of the Zuni religion which is extremely complex. Perhaps due to their remote location, the Zuni people have been able to retain a great deal of their culture and religion despite being among the most studied Native American people by anthropologists, past and present.
In their culture, Zuni fetish carvings represent the animal spirit thought to reside in the stone. Initially Zuni fetishes were likely found stones that had the rudimentary shape of an animal. It became a Zuni fetish when an arrowhead was placed on the stone with a prayer that the hunter's arrow would find its mark. The hunter would then express gratitude for the animal giving its life for the sustenance of the hunter and his family.
The Zunis believe in six sacred directions, Above, North, East, South, West and Below. Each of the directions is associated with a color:
Above Multicolored North Yellow East White South Red West Blue Below Black And each of those directions has a Zuni fetish animal associated with it. In a healing and protective directional Zuni fetish set the animals are as follows:
Above Multi-colored Eagle North Yellow Mountain Lion East White Wolf South Red Badger West Blue Bear Below Black Mole
A Zuni fetish hunting directional set would only be slightly different with the bobcat replacing the badger as the southern animal and the coyote replacing the bear of the west:
Above Multi-colored Eagle North Yellow Mountain Lion East White Wolf South Red Bobcat West Blue Coyote Below Black Mole
Additionally, there is a familial relationship between each of the animals in a Zuni fetish directional set. The Mountain lion is considered the elder brother of the bear who is the elder of the badger, considered elder to the wolf, who is elder to the eagle, who is elder to the mole.
Likewise, you may have a Zuni fetish directional set of only mountain lions (or bears, or wolves, etc.) Each animal must be of the appropriate color as follows:
Above Multi-colored such as Picasso, Rainbow Calisilica, etc. North Yellow such as Dolomite, Yellow Calcite, etc. East White such as Marble, Alabaster, etc. South Red such as Pipestone, Red Dolomite, etc. West Blue such as Turquoise, Lapis, etc. Below Black such as Jet or Black marble, etc. Other tribes use (and make) fetishes but it is the Zunis who are particularly known for their fetish carvings. A revival, of sorts, occurred in the late 1980's when an article appeared in the WALL STREET JOURNAL. The number of Zuni fetish carvers dramatically increased at that time and the introduction of power hand tools made the detail and realism of contemporary Zuni fetishes possible.
There are a number of books that discuss Zuni fetishes, their meanings and the families who carve them. We heartily recommend any of the books by Kent McManis as valuable references on Zuni fetish carvings.
And, in the Fall of 2008, Dave and I published our own Zuni fetish book, "ZUNI SPIRITS: A Portfolio of Fine Zuni Fetish Carvings." It's a 160 page portfolio of Dave's glorious images with an introduction by Zuni's Governor Norman Cooeyate. You can read more about our book at this link.
Collecting Zuni fetishes is a satisfying experience on so many levels. Not only are you able to enjoy the artistic value of a Zuni fetish, the beauty and exotic nature of many of the Zuni fetish carving materials is breathtaking. Zuni fetish carvings represent the connection many of us feel to both nature and the spirit world. And lastly, collecting Zuni fetishes supports the Zuni community by allowing these talented artisans to support their families and continue their rich cultural heritage and traditions begun by their ancestors.
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ZUNI SPIRITS - FINE ZUNI FETISHES DIRECTLY FROM ZUNI PUEBLO, NM
P. O. Box 337, Grapeland, TX 75844
All rights reserved © - Zuni Spirits & Darlene Meader Riggs - 1999 - 2011
Celebrating TWELVE years of PASSION for Zuni Fetishes!
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