This colorful bear is carved of beautiful Toluca Onyx by Reynold Lunasee. Reynold is married to Georgette Quam and is the sibling of Vernon, Ronnie, Rosella (married to Loubert Soseeah), and Lucella (married to Terrence Tsethlikai). They are the grandchildren of Dixie Quandelacy (d.), father of Eunice Quandelacy Lunasee, Albenita Yunie, Andres, Avery, Barlow (d.), Sandra, Dickie, Wilmer, Faye, Georgia and Stewart Quandelacy. I'd say that's a pretty talented family!

Toluca onyx comes from Mexico and this specimen is absolutely gorgeous. Lots of banding and frilly striations in the stone. (I'm pretty sure "frilly striations" is hardly a proper geologic term but you catch my drift .... wink.) Shades vary from adobe red to olive green to a rusty gold color. Really nice! The eyes of the bear are inlaid with turquoise. The offering bundle is a pink shell "arrowhead" tied on with red coral and turquoise. Signed RL Zuni on the bottom.

BEAR: The bear represents the western direction in a protective and healing fetish set. He is associated with the color blue and known for his curative powers. Though all bears are healers, white bears are particularly powerful. Characteristics associated with bears include strength, courage, adaptability, healing and spiritual communion.

Click here to hear "bear" in Shiwi, - the Zuni Language.