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Just What Is a Fetish?
From an artistic standpoint, the images could be said to appear anywhere from "bizarre" to "rough" to "primitive". They definitely are unique. They are called "fetishes", and are usually carved statues or unusual stones (sometimes wood) "believed to have magical powers or to embody or contain a powerful spirit", according to the World Book Encyclopedia, Millennium 2000 edition.
The more common usage of the word "fetish" - rather perverted sexual habits/desires, thanks to certain religions viewing the statues as idols which are worshipped, and such idolatry leading the "infidels" toward all sorts of sins - has little to do with these one-of-a-kind statues, popular with collectors, as well as having magickal purposes.
Part of the "power" of a fetish is how they strike the person looking at them. Whether in the form of a bear, an eagle, a wolf, a badger, or a corn maiden, something about a particular fetish will attract a person. Lannette Crutchfield, of Hands of Light on Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend (near Ironwood Drive), related how she was in Sedona "doing the tourist thing", went into a shop and was immediately drawn to a case of fetishes, in which an alabaster bear was displayed. Once the bear was placed in her hand, she did not let it go for the rest of her trip.
Having the fetish at hand may have a calming effect. Placing them on the altar during ritual can act to augment the energies invoked. Properly fashioned and blessed fetishes are believed to bring protection and luck. They are also reputed to help in the decision making process - placing fetishes in a circle and meditating on the aspects of the different animals (i.e. "What would I do if I was a bear?") brings a number of possibilities into focus.
Known more widely as Zuni fetishes, "carved animal representations done in a medium either organic or non-organic and fashioned by a Zuni Indian in their hands, but using their heart and head in the transformation process. The Zuni's believe that in the creation process of the world the heavenly father froze the spirits of the dangerous animals that roamed the earth to help man survive his first days... What a carver is doing in creating a fetish is to release the spirit in the stone to allow it the potential to become the ally of the holder of the fetish." (From The Zuni Fetish Gallery website: http://www.zunifetishgallery.com)
Originally, the fetishes were carved in the shapes of the animals that protected the six directions (north, south, east, west, above and below). Carved corn maidens were used in spring and autumn rites to symbolize fertility of the planting and abundance of the harvest. As the fetishes became more popular, other animals began to be carved.
The Zuni pass the tradition of carving from generation to generation, though others of the tribe may take up carving, using their own "style". The Zuni inlay their fetishes, giving them turquoise eyes and, sometimes, heart lines, which add power to the spirit of the animal represented. This follows the Zuni traditional greeting of breathing on the hand. The breath (the life-giving force) then travels into the body and straight to the heart. Other fetishes may have bundles across their backs, symbolizing offerings to the spirits of the animals.
There are numerous books about fetishes available, with Lanette recommending Zuni Fetishes, by Hal Zina Bennett as one of the best. On-line there are quite of number of galleries and shops where it is possible to view the numerous fetishes and makes purchases. Hands of Light carries a fine selection of fetishes, ranging in price from $4 or $5 to hundreds of dollars, dependent on the type of stone, the carver and the size.
The most interesting thing about fetishes, according to Lannette, "It doesn't matter if your actually looking for a fetish, if you're meant to have it, it'll find its way to you."