Southwestern Native Fetish Symbolism

Here is a guide to meanings attributed to the various Zuni, and other southwestern Native American, fetishes and totems. Some of the listed fetishes are non-traditional and were developed for use in the manufacture of tourist items, or borrowed from other cultures. For more information about Native American fetish jewelry, two additional guides are now available, and more are under development.

Figure 1. Old Santo Domingo Bird Fetish Necklace

Armadillo

Armadillo is the keeper of the home. He is slow-moving and sure and gets things done correctly. He also represents variety in one's inner life. In his personality, he is thick-skinned and reserved. (Non-traditional)

Badger

The badger represents the southern direction. .He is most often associated with the color red. Badger represents tenaciousness, passion, control, persistence and earthiness. He will not give up until he has reached a desired goal. Because he lives close to the ground, he is believed to have knowledge of healing roots and herbs.

Bear

Bear is the guardian fetish of the West. He represents strength and self-knowledge, and is a spiritual guide who also has supernatural powers. Bear is a powerful healing fetish. The most powerful medicine bear is White Bear.

Figure 2. Detail of Stack Fetish Necklace by Hector Goodluck (Navajo)

Beaver

Beaver is industrious and diligent. He represents achievement, hard work and family unity.

Bobcat

Bobcat is thought of as the older brother of Wolf and the younger brother of Mountain Lion. He is the hunting animal of the South and is often used when hunting antelope. Characteristically he's thought to be a wily hunter because he is not as big or as powerful as the mountain lion. There are stories about bobcat and coyote playing tricks on each other.

Buffalo

Buffalo represents prophesy and fulfillment of powers. Buffalo also represents the perseverence and ability to rise above one's weaknesses. (Non-traditional)

Butterfly

Butterfly represents beauty, transformation and rebirth. (Non-traditional)

Figure 3. Silver Butterfly by Tommy Singer (Navajo)

Corn Maiden

Corn Maiden represents strength, creation, and wisdom. (Non-traditional)

Figure 4. Bone Fetish Necklace of Unknown Origin

Coyote

Coyote is the master trickster who often tricks himself. He can be arrogant and self-important. In spite of this, he can be a great teacher by showing us how our impulsive nature or our self-centeredness fail to serve us well. . He brings wisdom through humor. He is the spiritual brother of Raven. As Coyotes have expanded their territory, other cultural groups have also adopted Coyote as a totem.

Deer

Deer represents grace and gratitude. Deer is gentle and has the ability to sacrifice for the greater good. He also represents agility and speed. (Non-traditional)

Dog

Dog represents a true friend and is very loyal. (Non-traditional)

Dolphin

Dolphin represents the spirit of trust, loyalty and friendship. (Non-traditional)

Duck or Waterbird

Duck or Waterbird represents the continuity of life and the influence of spirits of those who have passed on.

Eagle

Eagle is the guardian of the sky. He carries the power of intuition and creativeness, along with the powers of healing and spirit. He is the messenger from people to the gods and is associated with power, balance, dignity and grace. As well, he brings skill in both healing and hunting.

Figure 5. Eagle Fetish of Unknown Origin

Elk

Elk represents the ability to pace oneself and gain increasing stamina. He represents confidence and power. (Non-traditional)

Fish

Traditional: Fish represents sustained abundance. Non-traditional: Fish represents the quality of tranquility, as well the appearance of tranquility.

Fox

Fox is clever, amusing and observant. He has the ability to blend in with his surroundings and can make himself invisible when threatened. When in an uncomfortable situation, become fox-like. Fox says, "Blend in, make no quick moves and plan your escape."

Frog

Frogs are associated with water and rain. When asked, Frog will petition the spirits to bring abundant rain. Frog is also a fertility fetish. Women often keep a frog fetish by their bed when hoping to become pregnant. Frogs and tadpoles represent the cycle of life.

Hawk

Hawks are known for their hunting skills and for keeping rodents away from crops. They are the messengers from the gods to people or between animals. 

Figure 6. Hawk Fetish - Santo Domingo

Horned Lizard

Horned Lizard represents longevity and self-reliance. (Non-traditional)

Horse

Horse is not a traditional fetish but is frequently carved to bring protection to herd animals. He also represents power and growth of abilities. Horse also brings healing to situations characterized by stagnation or confinement.

Hummingbird

Hummingbird is a messenger and represents the ability to stop time. He also represents joy and beauty.

Figure 7. Humming Bird Necklace Believed to be Zuni

Lizard

Lizard represents stealth, patience and wisdom. He also represents agility. (Non-traditional)

Macaw

Macaws played a traditional role in Zuni history, and their carcasses have been found at digs in the region.

Figure 8. Zuni Macaw Fetish Necklace

Mole

Mole is the guardian fetish of the Lower Region. He represents awareness and grounding and has the ability to look inward. He is usually ssociated with the color black, and is appreciated for keeping gardens free of pests. Moles remind us to watch for changes.

Moose

Moose is headstrong and represents longevity.  (Non-traditional)

Mountain Lion

Mountain lion is the most powerful hunter and guardian fetish of the North. He represents leadership and personal power. Mountain lion is carried by travelers to protect them on their journey and also carried by hunters to help ensure a successful hunt.

Mouse

Mouse represents attention to detail. (Non-traditional)

Otter

Otter is playful and represents laughter and curiosity. He represents the balanced female side. (Non-traditional)

Owl

Owl is the protector of the home. He represents wisdom and truth and has the ability to see what others cannot. (Non-traditional)

Porcupine

Porcupine represents the power of faith and trust. (Non-traditional)

Quail

Quail represents holiness and the sacred spirit. (Non-traditional)

Rabbit

Rabbit represents gentleness, charm, and awareness of others. Rabbit is the special guardian of women in childbirth and is associated with safe childbirth and a long life for children. He also represents virtue and serenity. (Non-traditional)

Raccoon

Raccoon is curious and resourceful. (Non-traditional)

Ram

Ram is a hunting fetish, and is also used to help increase the herds.

Raven

Raven is clever and represents magic and transformation. He is a messenger of great mystery and represents a change in consciousness. He is considered to be a prankster, but doesn't have the negative characteristics associated with the coyote. The raven can help us work through failure and short-comings. He helps guide us through the darkest of times. Raven is honored as a totem to many Native American cultures, especially in the Pacific Northwest.

Snake

Snake represents primitive energy and helps us connect with greater powers. He symbolizes life, death, and rebirth. He is believed to have curative powers and is also associated with lightning. Snake is very important in Zuni ceremonies. (Non-traditional)

Spider

Spider represents the creative patterns of life. (Non-traditional)

Squirrel

Squirrel represents the ability to plan ahead and is very industrious. He represents natural intelligence and the protector of reserves. (Non-traditional)

Turtle

Turtle is a symbol of Mother Earth. He represents patience, self-reliance, tenacity, and longevity. He is also associated with non-violent defense and with being a skillful navigator through life's obstacles.

Figure 9. Turtle Fetish Necklace Attributed to Santo Domingo

Wolf

Wolf represents loyalty and family values. He is often associated with the color white. He is the younger brother of Bobcat. A pair of wolves is often carved together, representing the wolf's characteristic of mating for life. Wolf is a teacher, pathfinder, and represents a sharing of knowledge. He teaches us inner guidance and clarity.

Figure 10. Wolf Fetish Necklace by Sammy Smith (M & M Trading)