What is a fetish?
Fetishes are created by the Zuni people in New Mexico and
Arizona. A Fetish is a representation of
animals or other spiritual beings. They are usually carved from stone, with the
most common being serpentine. This is because of the abundance of this
particular mineral in the Zuni Mountains.
Other materials used in making fetishes include Turquoise,
corral, jet, jasper, pipestone, bone, antler ivory, and other local minerals
and materials. Turquoise is considered the most sacred of these materials used.
The most common fetishes are representations of animals.
These small carvings are thought to contain the spirit of that type of animal
and it is important to feed the fetish and keep it in a safe place. When
feeding the fetish it is thought that an offering of cornmeal and ground turquoise
is best.
When I feed my fetishes I often give them small amount of
the foods they would normally eat if in animal form.
There are fetishes for clan affiliation, hunting fetishes (to
insure a bountiful hunt), and for protection in conflict. Often the neighboring Navajo traded for fetishes
of sheep, horse, goats, and cattle. They felt the fetishes, if cared for
properly, would protect their herds.
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| My Horse fetishes |
Traditionally the fetishes are kept in a clay pot, but I
have found that the fetishes I have like to be in a small basket. I have two
fetishes, both horses. These are not just representative of horse energy in general;
they are representative of Sir Prize and Buddy. Sir Prize was my first horse and Buddy was the
first horse I purchased on my own. I had had ponies when I was little, but they
were always a cranky bunch. Both of these horses were my best friends and lived
their lives to the end with me. I keep their fetishes with a lock of mane and
tail from each one.
Many of the fetishes available today are produced for the
tourist and art collector trade. This means usually they have not been created with
the intention of connecting with these energies. It does not mean these effigies
can’t be charged or aligned with the animal spirits they represent.
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| Bear fetish w/feathers |
When working with a new fetish it is important to cleanse
the fetish as you would any other magickal tool. I like to use a sage and sweet
grass smudge, but you can use another form of cleansing if you feel called to
do so. I would suggest that before you use water or other liquids that you
inspect your fetish for feathers and other organic materials that may be
damaged by liquid.
In the case that the fetish you are working with may have been created with the intention of magically
or spiritually representing a particular animal; it is important
to honor these energies and ask if they wish to stay and work with you
prior to you cleansing the fetish.
After you have cleansed your fetish of any residual energy,
you will want to spend some time getting to know your fetish. Often they have
their own personalities, as well as representing a particular animal energy.
Once you have made a connection with your fetish, it is time to “feed” it.
Again this is commonly done with cornmeal and ground turquoise, but you may
find that a bear fetish prefers berries or small pieces of salmon. My horses
like hay and grain and sometimes really want carrots or apples.
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Animal figurines at Perdigões Portugal |
It is also important to remember that you do not have to
purchase a Zuni made fetish in order to work with fetishes. Cultures from all
over the world, Including other Native American tribes and tribes from Europe
have used similar effigies to work with the animal spirits in their home area.
Have a Wicked Good Day!
Molly
