This unusual buffalo carving is by Herbert Him. I don't think we've ever offered a "pairs" buffalo fetish by Herbert before. He's carved the fetish from a beautiful piece of Kingman (AZ) turquoise. There is some rusty brown matrix throughout but overall it is clear aqua blue turquoise stone. The head and shoulders of the buffalo are well textured and each has red coral inlaid eyes.

The buffalo in Zuni is known as "Siwolo". Though generally thought to be a plains animal, buffalo (or bison) herds often traveled as far south as northern Mexico and as far west as Arizona. Though they were only migratory in Zuni territory, there were still hunted and a buffalo dance is still held in Zuni today.

Herbert is well known and his work is highly sought after. He carves a variety of fetishes and many complex, symbolic sculptures but is probably best known for his realistic bear carvings. He signs his work "Herb Him Zuni" and sometimes a spiral petroglyph which is the symbol for migration.