Description
Incorporating a variety of traditional Native American fetishes, Zuni Pueblo artist Verna Kushana handcrafted this single-strand necklace that is rich with symbolism and color. A colorful palette of jet, serpentine, spiny oyster shell, jade, mother of pearl, and turquoise all come together beautifully with the natural color of the heishi. An inspiring Southwestern art form, this iconic fetish necklace will be a joyful accent to any outfit.
Fetishes are small carvings that depict animals or other important Native icons, and Zuni and Pueblo artists have been making them for hundreds of years. In the 1930s, Zuni artists began making smaller versions of their fetishes to accent beaded necklaces. The necklaces were extremely popular and developed into their own form. Today, fetish necklaces are also made by Navajo and Pueblo artists.
Necklace measures 29-1/2" long with carved animals that measure roughly 1-1/8" wide. Comes with certificate of authenticity.
Our Guarantee of Authenticity
At the Indian Pueblo Store we guarantee that your purchase is an original and authentic work handcrafted by Native American artists as defined by the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990. We ask our artists to complete an extensive certification process, providing a CIB (Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood) card and other documentation of their Native American heritage. Our team of experts carefully inspects every product to guarantee it is handcrafted using traditional, sustainable processes and natural materials of only the highest quality. We record the place and date of each purchase and pride ourselves in paying a fair price that allows artists to make a living practicing their craft. At a time when many commercially-made products are being sold as handcrafted Native American art, our in-depth purchase process allows us to guarantee the authenticity of every unique piece of fine art we offer. For more than 35 years, we have made it a priority to visit artists in their studio or home to purchase their latest handcrafted pieces and learn about their work. We have developed lasting relationships with artists, as well as dealers and collectors, and we take pride in being a trusted destination for fine Native American art.