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.

Zuni fetish carvers supply the Navajo tribe with horse fetishes. These fetishes are used to protect their herds and flocks from disease, injury and death.

A horse fetish is also believed to bring strength and power to whomever owns and carries it with him, or her.

This horse fetish measures 1+3/4" long and it stands 1/2" tall. It weighed in at 11 grams and the bottom is signed with Gerald's initials.

After carving the horse Gerald added a few typical Zuni adornments. The horses eyes are inlaid turquoise as is the bundle on the horse's back. The bundle is thought to assist in helping prayers to be heard.

Gerald then carved a heart line (or life line) that begins at the horses's mouth (where breath brings life) and then travels along the horse's side to where it's soul, strength and faith are found.

Finally he carved an arrowhead to assist the horse in completing it's journey.

We obtained this fetish at one of the artist co-ops on the Zuni Reservation in western New Mexico. Some of the knowledge we obtained about this fetish was given to us by the saleswoman at the co-op (who is a fetish carver) and she also told us the the initials, GB, are Gerald's.

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.