Bears
Featured
$110.00
This bear is very much on the ample side, with lots of love packed into it by Juana Homer, Zuni.
The modest offering consists of turquoise and coral bits secured together on a turquoise arrowhead and on the bear’s back with sinew-like thread.
ZuniLink acquired this well-fed bear in New Mexico in 2004, making it at least 20 years old as of this update. In all that time it has never been in a private collection, but has been lovingly protected in ZuniLink’s temperature-controlled “vault”.
If the buyer requests, a Certicate of Authenticity will be provided.
This carving will be shipped FREE to any address in the 48 mainland United States.
2" x 2 3/4" R236 - $110
$100.00
Michael Laweka's standing bear Zuni fetish was carved from mother of pearl, with eyes of turquoise and accents ofcoral dots front and back. It’s a real beauty.
It is signed on the underside with the initials “ML” and “Zuni”.
It was carved in 2004 or earlier and was acquired from the most reputable dealer in Albuquerque in that year.
At 20 years of age at this writing, it is a vintage piece that has never been owned by anyone but dealers.
It is guaranteed to be authentic and will include a Certificate of Authenticity if requested.
It is also guaranteed to satisfy you when you receive and can inspect it in person or your purchase price will be refunded in full if you return it in the same condition as when you receive it.
ZuniLink will ship this carving FREE to any address in the 48 mainland United States.
3 1/4" x 1 1/4" #R410
$215.00
Brion Hattie, Zuni, has carved this festive standing bear from pink serpentine.
Brion Hattie is a popular carver with a sense and touch his collectors love.
ZuniLink acquired this splendid work by Brion Hattie from a trusted (by dealers and artists) intermediary in Gallup, NM, which is the closest urban area to Zuni Pueblo, in 2004.
ZuniLink guarantees the authenticity of this Brion Hattie carving and will provide a Certificate of Authenticity to the buyer.
ZuniLink also guarantees the buyer’s satisfaction, recognizing that purchasing anything online based on photos and descriptions is only half of a transaction. You must be satisfied with your purchase when you can inspect it in person, or you may return it (in the same condition as when you receive it) for a full refund of your purchase price.
Finally, this Brion Hattie bar carving will be shipped FREE to any address in the 48 mainland United States.
3" x 2" R491
$100.00
Abby Quam Zuni bear fetish carving.
Abby Quam carved this geologically correct Zuni bear from ammonoid fossil, which marks this bear as having an ancient heritage.
For this very reason, fossil material (Ammonoid or Orthoceras) lends a special presence to the animal it fosters.
It’s evidence of life on this planet from millennia ago. It ties the carving to an ancient creature that inhabited the scene ages before the bear was doing its thing.
Absent a CAP signature, we infer that this carving was done by Abby Quam solo, although our records show the Gallup, NM intermediary we acquired it from in 2007attributed it to both Abby Quam and Clayton Panteah. The bear is not shown as a contributor also.
ZuniLink will ship this carving to any address in the 48 mainland United States FREE.
RH39 ~ 1 3/4" 2 1/4"
$299.00
Eddington Hannaweeke Zuni fetish carving
Skateboarding dolomite bear on a sterling silver skate board with turquoise wheels. Turquoise and coral accents. Such exuberance!
2 1/2" x 1 1/2" #i82
$495.00
Dee Edaakie bear fetish carving in lapis lazuli.
Dee Edaakie, Zuni, carved this charming
bear from precious lapis lazuli, with turquoise eyes.
Lapis lazuli (“lapis” for short) is a rare and ancient stone. It is found mostly in Afghanistan.
As you can see, it is very matrixed, veins of which show up under exposure to light. As an ore, it has been ground into powder for cosmetic use for centuries. It has been found in that form in burial tombs of the Middle East.
The specimen from which this Dee Edaakie bear has be carved is a fairly large piece.
One does not find a lot of lapis carving s because of its high value. More frequently it is carved into cabuchons for use in jewelry.
We acquired this bear carving directly from Dee Edaakie in 2008 in Zuni Pueblo.
ZuniLink will ship this carving FREE to any address within the 48 mainland United States.
We also guarantee your satisfaction when you receive and inspect this bear fetish carving in person.
If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, let us know and we will refund your purchase price when you return the carving in the same condition as it is in when you received it.
1 1/4" x 2 1/2" x 1" #Ri85
$106.00
Dee Edaakie bear fetish carving.
An excited bear extends its paws dancing to the“zebra rock” in the carving medium of the same name. Dee Edaakie is the Zuni fetish carver responsible.
Acquired directly from Dee Edaakie in 2008.
ZuniLink guarantees your satisfaction with this purchase. If, for any reason, you are unhappy with Dee Edaakie’s “dancing” bear, please let us know and we will refund you full purchase price when you return it in the same condition you receive it.
Ships FREE to any address in the 48 mainland United States
Ri93 ~ 1 3/4" x 1" x 1 3/4".
Sale Price:$350.00 Original Price:$400.00
Rodney Laiwakete Zuni bear fetish carving.
Zuni Rodney Laiwakete carved this Zuni fetish from black marble, with three inlay heartlines.
Bears are a favorite subjects for Zuni fetish carvers. As a principal animal in the Zuni cosmos of six directions they are believed to have healing powers and great affect as hunters/protectors of the West.
The late Kent McManus, about as expert about Zuni fetish as anyone and author of highly regarded books on the subject, estimated that bears have been the most popular subject among Native American carvers.
McManus’s “A Guide to Zuni Fetishes & Carvings” includes a carving by Rodney Laiwakete, although it is not a bear. It is a rabbit.
It’s worth pointing out that one of the almost trademark features of a carving by any of the Laiwakete’s is the inlaying of multiple heartlines on one side of the animal. And they are very good at it, as evidenced by the 3 heartlines on this Rodney Laiwakete bear.
Heartlines typically start near the animal’s mouth, where the breath of the creature captures spiritual strength, and extend into the center of the carving. They frequently end with an arrow point, although sometimes they don’t have that feature.
Stop for a moment to consider the skill and sensitivity it must take to inlay turquoise or coral into a stone that is often very hard to start with. The sheer delicacy of this act, which can destroy an otherwise perfect carving, is reason enough to infer supernatural values.
ZuniLink will ship this Rodney Laiwakete bear FREE to any address within the 48 mainland United States.
Please note: a small intrusion on the undecorated side of the carving. This was an imperfection in the original stone material and does not affect the side of the carving with heartline inlay. It was not damage from the handling of the bear.
3 1/2"" x 3 1/2" x 1/2" ~ RJ94
$75.00
Terrence Martza Zuni bear fetish carving.
This standing bear was carved by Terrence Martza, Zuni, from dolomite. Don't you love the turquoise tips and silver rosette adornments?
ZuniLink acquired this Terrance Martza bear fetish carving in 2008 from one of the most reliable wholesalers in Albuquerque. We trust them implicitly, as do the artists whose work they buy and sell.
In fact, we not only guarantee the authenticity of this carving, we also guarantee your satisfaction with it when you receive it and inspect it in person.
If you are disappointed with for any reason, let us know and we will refund your full purchase price, when you return it in the same condition it was in when you received it.
ZuniLink will ship this item FREE to any address within the 48 mainland United States.
2 1/2" x 1 1/4" x 1" ~ RL43
$50.00
Leland Boone, Zuni, created this colorful bear
with the slightly transparent chest from Murano glass slag. It is an interesting perspective of the innate form of the specimen and a contrast to the mix of flamboyant colors presented on the remainder of the source glass.
Leland is the son of Lena Boone. He carves in emulation of her carving style, although with less traditional results.
Leland Boone has a way with glass. He often collaborates with his spouse, Daphne.
Leland Boone’s work is included in Kent McManus’s authoritative book, “A Guide To Zuni Fetishes & Carvings”
ZuniLink will ship this Leland Boone art glass bear FREE to any address within the 48 mainland United States. We also will guarantee it’s authenticity and your satisfaction with it.
If, for any reason, after you have received and examined it, you are unhappy with your purchase, let us know and we will refund your full purchase price when you return it to us in the same condition it was in when you received it.
1 1/4" x 1 1/2" x 3/4" ~ #RM29
$110.00
Brian Yatsattie Zuni bear fetish carving.
Brian Yatsattie, Zuni, carved this fetish bear, wrapped in a simulated traditional blanket, from cottonwood.
Brian Yatsattie is a bona fide Zuni carver who lives with his wife and family at San Felipe Pueblo. That is where we acquired Brian Yatattie’s bear fetish carving directly from him in 2010.
Brian is a very talented carver as this bear demonstrates. See also examples of Brian Yatsattie’s carving at his carver’s page on this site.
ZuniLink will ship this impressive bear carving FREE to any address within the 48 mainland United States.
ZuniLink certifies that this carving is an authentic Zuni fetish carving and guarantees your satisfaction with it when you receive it and can examine it closely.
If you are disappointed with your purchase, for any reason, ZuniLink will refund your full purchase price. Simply let us know that you are returning to us, and it is in the same condition it was in when you received it, and we will reverse your full credit card charge.
5 1/4" x 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" #RM83
$325.00
Loren Tsalabutie bear fetish carving.
An Afghanistan travertine bear fetish carving by Loren Tsalabutie, Zuni. This was one of Loren Tsalabutie's first projects after inheriting his father's legacy. Loren Tsalabutie proudly signed it on the underside of one foot.
Jeff Tsalabutie was one of the most promising young fetish carvers at Zuni when he was tragically taken from us in an automobile accident. Shortly thereafter, his son, Loren took up the carver’s tools.
Loren was also mentored by Gibbs Othole, a master carver in his own right, who accepted the responsibility of replacing Jeff as Loren’s carving coach.
The date is fuzzy in my mind. Our records say it was 2010. But the event is as clear as if it was yesterday, when Loren Tsalabutie presented some of his first production in a Santa Fe Indian Market booth shared by Gibbs Othole.
The work was both obviously a beginner’s and yet apparently inspired by Jeff’s cheerful approach to carving. It sold quickly. I was lucky to get there when there was still some of Loren’s fresh work available. With an approving high sign from Gibbs, Loren agreed to sell us two pieces. This was one of them.
I think Jeff would have approved.
3 1/4" x 1 3/4" x 1". #RN53
$50.00
Robert Cellicion bear fetish carving.
A standing fetish bear in onyx, seems to be caught by surprise, by Zuni carver, Robert Cellicion.
This well-carved bear fetish was acquired by ZuniLink in 2010 through a trusted intermediary of long-standing in Gallup, NM, sometimes known as a “gateway” to Zuni Pueblo.
Robert Cellicion has signed the underside of one foot with his initals, “RC”.
He has carved the specimen of onyx to capitalize on the natural “grain” evident here. He also skillfully inlayed turquoise buttons on the bears simulated garment.
Very reasonable price of this carving is influenced by Robert Cellicion’s relative newness as a carver at the time this work was purchased by ZuniLink.
Nevertheless, ZuniLink will ship this bear carving FREE to any address in the 48 mainland United States.
Because we understand that purchasing anything online based only on photos and descriptions is inherently a risk, ZuniLink will guarantee both the authenticity of this carving and your satisfaction with it when you receive it and examine it.
If you are unhappy with it, for any reason, let us know you want to return it and we will credit your charge record for the full amount of your purchase while we wait for it to arrive here in the same condition it was in when you received it.
2 1/2" x 1 1/4" x 3/4" RN89
$170.00
Zuni Claudine Haloo carved this standing bear fetish from fallen antler.
And, at the size of this bear, it took a large section antler to provide a carving medium. The size is 6” x 2 1/2 x 1 1/4
Claudine Haloo added eyes and adornments of turquoise.
ZuniLink acquired this imposing bear in 2011 from one of our regular, reliable sources in Gallup, NM.
We guarantee its authenticity an we guarantee your satisfaction.
Recognizing that any purchase made solely on the basis of photos and descriptions leaves a lot of room for disappointment, if you are unhappy with this bear fetish carving, for any reason, let us know and we will refund your full purchase price.
All we will need from you is the return of the carving in the same condition as when you received it.
ZuniLink will ship this beauty FREE to any address in the 48 mainland United States.
$95.00
Loubert Soseeah Zuni fetish bear carving.
A stand-up bear with a "take-me-home-with-you" look carved from soapstone is the work
of Loubert Soseeah, Zuni.
ZuniLink acquired this authentic Zuni fetish carving on the Zuni Pueblo from a vendor who not only offers carvings from artists that they know first hand but also is a supplier of carving materials to the same carvers from which it buys objects for resale. With a full-time presence within the pueblo, it is highly regarded by both buyers and sellers.
Loubert Soseeah frequently carves in collaboration with Rosella Lunasee. This bear carving, however, appears to be a solo work by Loubert Soseeah.
ZuniLink will ship this authentic Zuni fetish carving FREE to any address in the 48 mainland United States.
We guarantee the authenticity of this carving and will provide a Certificate of Authenticity if requested. Moreover, we also guarantee your satisfaction.
If for any reason after you receive and have examined it in person, you are unhappy with your purchase, simply notify ZuniLink within 10 days of your desire to return it and your full purchase price will be refunded.
3" x 1 1/4" x 1 1/2" #RT44
$70.00
Garrick Acque Zuni bear fetish carving.
Softly striped dolomite makes a lovely bear and allows for etching on the back.
Garrick Acque is the Zuni artist.
Garrick Acque is related to the Teddy Weahkee family by marriage, according to the late Kent McManus’s authoritative book, A Guide to Zuni Fetishes & Carvings, which also features work by Garrick Acque.
ZuniLink will ship this guaranteed authentic Zuni fetish carving FREE to any address within the 48 mainland United States. A Certificate of Authenticity is also available if requested.
In addition, ZuniLInk guarantees your satisfaction after you have received and examined your purchase.
If, for any reason, you are displeased with your purchase, you have 10 days to notify us and your purchase price will be refunded in full upon return of the item in the same condition as you received it.
1 1/2" x 3" x 1" #RT52
$139.00
Jonathan Natewa Etched Black Marble Bear.
Jonathan Natewa has created a very handsome black marble bear, whose appearance is enhanced with etched designs.
Acquired in 2014 from a pueblo resident reseller who also provides carving materials to the Zuni artisans.
Authenticity is guaranteed by ZuniLink. A Certificate of Authenticity will be provided if requested.
We also guarantee your satisfaction. If for any reason you are unhappy with your purchase after you have received and examined it, contact us within 10 days to let us know you want to return it in “as received” condition, and we will refund your full purchase price.
ZuniLink will ship this remarkable work of fetish art FREE to any address in the 48 mainland United States.
2 1/4" x 3 1/2" x 3/4" #RU48
$49.00
Claudine Haloo Zuni bear fetish carving.
Polished antler looks like stone, but it really is antler. That is the material from which this singing bear by Claudine Haloo was carved.
We acquired this charmer in 2014 through a trusted intermediary located in Gallup, NM. Gallup is the nearest city to Zuni Pueblo. Resellers in this town regularly deal with Zuni artists. they know who’s who and are trusted by the artists.
ZuniLink will ship this carving FREE to any address in the 48 mainland United States.
ZuniLink guarantees the authenticity of this work by Claudine Haloo and will provide a Certificate of Authenticity if requested.
We also guarantee your satisfaction with your purchase. If for any reason you are unhappy with this purchase, please contact us within 10 days of receiving it. Let us know you are returning the carving in “as received” condition and we will refund your entire purchase price.
2 1/4" x 1 3/4" x 1 1/4" #RU84
$320.00
Clissa Martin, Zuni carver, has accented her bear fetish with overlays of a bumble bee and a dragonfly. No one says a serious fetish can't have a humorous touch. #RV49 - 1.25"H x 2.5"L x.75"D
$80.00
It looks like fish is on the menu as this red bear admires a big green fish he caught. (The fish is 2 1/2” long)
The carver, Salvador Romero of Cochiti Pueblo, finds his subjects in stones he finds on the grounds in and around his pueblo. His outcomes are always well-done and occasionally include a little surprise, like fresh fish.
ZuniLink acquired this bear-with-fresh-caught-fish directly from Salvador Romero. So we can guarantee its authenticity. (If you want a certificate, please let us know when you order.)
We will ship this bear and fish FREE to any address in the 48 mainland United States.
ZuniLink also guarantees your satisfaction with this purchase. We know it is a leap of faith any time someone buys online based on photos and descriptions.
So, if you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, let us know within 10 days that you are returning it for a refund.
We’ll keep an eye out for it so we can beat the “porch pirates” to it. Assuming it is in the same condition as when you received it, we will promptly refund your full purchase price.
4 1/2” x 1 3/4” x 2” #CS716