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The Zunis believe that animals have special powers and the carvings called fetishes hold those powers within them. Some fetish animals carry prayer or medicine bundles on their backs to help their message be heard. An arrowhead included in a medicine bundle will protect the prayer bundle on its journey.

Here is a guide to meanings attributed to the various Zuni fetish animals. For more information, we offer a collection of excellent books on Zuni fetishes.
Armadillo Armadillo is the keeper of the home. He is slow-moving and sure and makes sure he gets things done correctly. Armadillo represents variety in one's inner life; he is thick-skinned and reserved.
Badger Badger represents passion and persistence. He will not give up until he has reached a desired goal. Living close to the ground, he has great knowledge of the earth.
Bat Bat is the guardian of the night.
Bear Bear is the guardian fetish of the West. Bear represents strength and self-knowledge. He is a spiritual guide and also carries within him supernatural powers. Bear is a powerful healing fetish. White bear is the most powerful medicine bear.
Beaver Beaver is industrious and diligent. He represents achievement and hard work. Beaver promotes family unity.
Bobcat or Lynx Bobcat is thought of as the older brother to wolf and the younger brother of mountain lion. Bobcat is the hunting animal of the South and is used by the Zuni when hunting antelope. Bobcat also represents clairvoyance and is a secret keeper.
Buffalo Buffalo represents prophesy and fulfillment of powers. Buffalo also represents a steadfast endurance to rise above one's weaknesses.
Butterfly Butterfly represents beauty and transformation. Butterfly also represents rebirth.
Corn Maiden Corn Maiden represents strength, creation, and wisdom.
Coyote Coyote is the master trickster who often tricks himself. He represents humor and the ability to laugh at one's own mistakes.
Crow Crow is the keeper of the sacred law.
Deer Deer represents grace and gratitude. Deer is gentle and has the ability to sacrifice for the greater good. He also represents agility and speed.
Dog Dog represents a true friend and is very loyal.
Dolphin Dolpin represents the spirit of trust and friendship. He is very loyal.
Duck Duck represents the spirits of those who have passed on.
Eagle Eagle is the guardian fetish of the Upper region. Eagle carries the power of intuition and creativeness, along with the powers of healing and spirit. His spirit transcends personal problems and he symbolizes becoming one with the Greater Spirit. He represents vision and higher truths.
Elk Elk represents the ability to pace oneself and gain increasing stamina. He represents confidence and power.
Falcon Falcon represents power and harmony. He is intuitive and has the ability to see the big picture.
Fish Fish represents the ability to hide one's emotions. Fish is a purifier.
Fox Fox is clever and observant. He has the ability to blend in with his surroundings and is very loyal to loved ones.
Frog Frogs are associated with water and rain. He asks the spirits to bring abundant rain. Frog is also the fertility fetish. Women often keep a frog fetish by their bed when hoping to become pregnant. Frogs and tadpoles represent the cycle of life.
Hawk Hawk is the messenger of the gods. He represents energy and inspiration.
Horned Lizard     Horned Lizard represents longevity and self-reliance.
Horse Horse represents partnerships and strength. He also represents power and expanding one's abilities. Horse has innate healing powers.
Hummingbird Hummingbird is a messenger and represents the ability to stop time. He also represents joy and beauty.
Lizard Lizard represents patience and wisdom. He also represents conversation and agility.
Mole Mole is the guardian fetish of the Lower Region. He represents awareness and grounding and has the ability to look inward.
Moose Moose is headstrong and represents longevity.
Mountain Lion Mountain lion is the guardian fetish of the North. He represents leadership and personal power. Mountain lion is carried by travelers to protect them on their journey and also carried by hunters to help ensure a successful hunt.
Mouse Mouse represents attention to detail.
Otter Otter is playful and represents laughter and curiosity. He represents the balanced female side.
Owl Owl is the protector of the home. He represents wisdom and truth and has the ability to see what others cannot.
Parrot Parrot is symbolic of the sun. Like a rainbow, he is made with rain, sun, and light.
Porcupine Porcupine represents the power of faith and trust.
Quail quail represents holiness and the sacred spirit.
Rabbit Rabbit represents gentleness, charm, and awareness of others. Rabbit is the special guardian of women in childbirth and is associated with safe childbirth and a long life for children. He also represents virtue and serenity.
Raccoon Raccoon is shy and resourceful.
Ram Ram is used to help increase the herds.
Raven Raven is clever and represents magic and transformation. He is a messenger of great mystery and represents a change in consciousness. He helps guide us through the darkest of times.
Skunk Skunk represents inner strength, self-respect, and a good reputation.
Snake Snake represents primitive energy and helps us connect with greater powers. He symbolizes life, death, and rebirth. He is believed to have curative powers and is also associated with lightning. Snake is very important in Zuni ceremonies.
Spider Spider represents the creative patterns of life.
Squirrel Squirrel represents the ability to plan ahead and is very industrious. He represents natural intelligence and the protector of reserves.
Turtle Turtle is a symbol of Mother Earth. He represents self-reliance, tenacity, and longevity.
Wolf Wolf represents loyalty and family values. A pair of wolves is often carved together, representing the wolf's characteristic of mating for life. Wolf is a teacher, pathfinder, and represents a sharing of knowledge. He teaches us inner guidance and clarity.
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