Vintage handmade Zuni fetish Colorful Animal Beaded Necklace

This appears to be a Zuni fetish necklace, featuring numerous small animal carvings known as fetishes, likely made of various stones and shells. Origin: Zuni fetishes are small animal carvings made by the Zuni people of New Mexico. Materials: They are typically carved from natural materials like turquoise, coral, mother-of-pearl, and various other stones. Symbolism: Each animal represents a different spirit or guardian with specific qualities, such as the bear for strength or the eagle for freedom. Usage: They are traditionally used for protection, healing, and good fortune, often worn as jewelry or kept as personal talismans. Key Details Origin: The Zuni Pueblo people of New Mexico are the primary producers of these traditional items. Materials: The individual animal figures can be made from a wide range of materials, including turquoise, coral, serpentine, mother-of-pearl, and other stones. The necklace strand itself is often made of small heishi beads, which are disc-shaped beads typically made from shell. Symbolism: In Zuni culture, each animal fetish is believed to embody the spirit of the animal it represents and hold specific powers for protection, healing, or good fortune. Commercial Context: While traditionally used for ceremonial purposes within the Zuni community, many contemporary pieces are carved for the collector market as a form of artistic expression.