This is a very unusual Zuni bear fetish by Zuni carver Alvert Lamy. Alvert used a Tagua nut, which is actually a seed from the Tagua Palm tree that grows in Ecuador, in the rain forest. (It's also called an Ivory Nut Palm) When first picked, the Tagua seed is edible and is considered a fruit. Alvert told us that once a nut is dried it becomes as hard as ivory, and he likes working with them because they "carve well". (our thanks to "tellmewhereonearth.com" for the information on this unusual nut)
This bear fetish was made with part of the seed shell left on it, which Alvert used to fashion the bear's base. He inlaid small, round, inlaid turquoise for the eyes.
This fetish measures 1 and 7/8 inches in height and is 2 and 3/8 inches in length. It's 1 and 5/8 inches in width at the widest part, and it weighs 70 grams on our postal scale. It's signed on the bottom with Alvert's name and Zuni NM. I was able to buy 3 other tagua nut fetishes from him and hope to get more when we go to Zuni pueblo on our next trip.
The Turtle is a symbol of Mother Earth and longevity, and assures rainfall in Zuni cosmology. This unique fetish would be a great addition to your fetish collection.
