The Zuni Indians are a pueblo tribe from western New Mexico who have inhabited that region since at least 1100 AD. Zuni fetishes are hand carved pieces of natural materials, depicting animals or other symbols of the Zuni connection to nature and all that is. These fine carvings have many uses: for trade, religious ceremonial use, luck in hunting, ensuring rain, enhancing fertility and propagation, diagnosing and curing disease, or any area of their lives where they feel help is needed.
The gemstone known as jet is a mineraloid and type of lignite that takes a beautiful polish. Jet is actually derived from decaying wood that undergoes extreme pressure and heat. The wood then becomes fossilized as a compact black material. Jet is lightweight whereas black onyx is heavy. The bear is the Guardian of the West. The bear is associated with great strength, power, healing and self-knowledge. He is the great protector, the "sacred bear". He is a spiritual guide and also carries within him supernatural powers. Bear is a powerful healing fetish.