If you're familiar with Zuni fetishes the family name Leekya should be very familiar to you as they are considered by many collectors as the "First Family" of Zuni fetish carvers.
This terrific Frog fetish was carved by Delvin Leekya, one of today's most collectible Zuni fetish artists.
American Indians have carved and carried fetishes for hundreds of years as they believe these objects carry magical powers that can help their lives in many different ways.
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.
This frog fetish measures 1+3/4" long, 1+3/4" wide, and it stands 1" tall. It weighed in at 35 grams. The bottom has Delvin's initials and is marked Zuni
After carving the frog Delvin further adorned it with several inlaid pieces of turquoise. He also added an arrowhead bundle on the frog's back that is held in place by a string of various types of beads.
Recently fetishes like this are also being used for something totally different. Many poker players, seeking something that will bring them luck, have started using fetishes as card guards (or card protectors). They place the fetish on top of their "down" cards hoping it will help them in winning the game.
Although the idea of using card guards has been around for several years most guards were poker chips with various emblems printed on them.
Now, since poker has become extremely popular, many poker players are looking for something more personal to use as their card guard. Zuni made fetishes seem to have filled their need and are available in forms that represent many different kinds of animals thought to possess magical powers.
So, whether you appreciate owning traditional Native American art, or just want some luck in winning at poker, this fetish is available to help you in either way.
