Dave and I both think there's something different about this Hayes Leekya bear. He's earthy, wise -- an old spirit. Yes, he's Zuni rock and he has the standard shell, turquoise and red coral offering bundle. But you'll see when you hold him, turning him around in your hand, admiring his rotund features. He's a special one. And you'll be glad you did.

Bear: In a hunting directional set, the Bear is the elder brother of the wolf and represents the southern direction, replacing the badger of the healing directional set. He is most often associated with the color red. He is carved of many materials but probably most often from Picasso marble. He can be depicted in an extremely realistic style (like the Cheamas render) or a very symbolic style (like Dan Poncho). Characteristically he's thought to be a clever hunter as he doesn't have the size or power of the mountain lion. There are stories about he and coyote playing tricks on each other. The prankster coyote smushed the Bear's nose and tail in while he was sleeping. And when the Bear woke up and realized what happened he sought revenge by pulling the nose of the sleeping coyote making it long and pointy and yanked the tail so long that it nearly drags the ground.