Finely Detailed Zuni Inlaid Mole Carving in Shiny Dolomite! This incredible Danette Laate carved mole is traditionally carved in silky-smooth dolomite with inlaid turquoise eyes and an inlaid burden offering of jet, turquoise and coral in a sunface motif. It measures 1 5/8" long and 5/8" high. The artist is from one of Zuni's most revered carving families and the quality of the inlay is a family tradition. The Zuni fetish tradition is many thousands of years old, serving important purposes in their religious and ceremonial life. The small animals chosen traditionally embodied the six compass directions: The Wolf, from the East; The Badger (or Bobcat), from the South; The Bear from the West; The Mountain Lion from the North, the Eagle from the skies above and the Mole from deep below, in the darkness. Other Southwestern Pueblos and tribes, including the Navajo, Lakota and Apache also make use of carved animal fetishes in ceremony and for personal protection. Besides the directional protectors, there are other traditional animals each serving a different purpose, such as hunting guides. In the past twenty or so years, as the carving art developed to serve collectors as well as the cermonial functions, other animals, not from native fauna are carved as well. This has created a great demand for new and unusual carvings as well as the traditional, ceremonial ones. While a carving remains an inanimate object unless it has been consecreated into a religious ceremony by a religious leader, they do embody a sense of the awe and beauty of the natural world and the balance and harmony sought by the Zuni people. One of the most interesting documents discussing the Zuni traditions, was written and first published in 1910 by Frank Hamilton Cushing. It is titled Zuni Fetishes and it was drawn from Mr. Cushing's three years in Zuni at the behest of the Museum of Natural History in New York City. There are many other books that investigate the artform as it has evolved since then as well This fetish carving represents a contemporary interpretation of an ancient tradition that will grace any collection. We've been working to keep our customers coming back since 1985 -- We ship fast, always insure packages, and accept returns. We hope you'll be one of our many regulars. Anything you'd like, you don't see, let us know and please be sure to leave us feedback! 
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