Sacred Traditions ~ Timeless beauty.
In October 2025, Dr. Harold Finkelstein self-published the definitive publication on Zuñi fetishes ~ a two-volume, 450-page book with 1,100 color photos.
You can examine all aspects of the book and purchase online or by email or phone.
This site consists of items purchased over the past four decades ~
Zuñi fetishes
Zuñi fetish necklaces
Zuñi and Navajo jewelry
Kewa neckwear
Some are vintage, but most are from the past 25 years.
All are authentic Native American hand-made using real materials.
All items listed are for sale.
BestofZuñi is divided in to two major collections
Six groupings of Zuñi Fetishes
Five groupings of Jewelry.
Zuñi Fetish Carvings
A millennial-long tradition by indigenous peoples of the southwest, fetishes became a collectible starting in the 1930s and reached a frenzied demand starting in the 1980s. The Zuñis, located south our Gallup NM on the AZ border, have become the primary creators of this newly-recognized art form, creating animals and other images that reflect their traditions. The most commonly-carved images, especially bears and mountain lions, are made using a variety of materials both in traditional styling and more abstract forms. Just about any image one can imagine has been carved.
Click on the Image to View the Collection
Basic 8 ~ primarily mountain lion, bear, eagle, frog and turtle and lesser-carved badger, mole and wolf.
Older ~ Made prior to 1980 of traditional images using mostly found and readily-available materials, often made with hand tools
Zuñi, Navajo and Kewa Jewelry
Zuñi Fetishes Necklaces ~ The epitome of beauty in the realm of Zuñi fetishes is fetish necklaces. Although made by relatively few carvers along with ‘stringers’ who used pre-drilled Zuñi-made fetishes sold by trading posts, these pieces are prized by collectors.
Zuñi and Navajo Jewelry ~ Zuñi and Navajo jewelry have been prominent for most of the 20th Century as well as before and now into the 21st C. Collected, worn and treasured throughout the world, the designs and craftsmanship are works of art. We feature mostly bracelets, pins and pendants, neckwear, rings and earrings. All our items are hand-made by native American craftspersons using real stones and sterling silver.
Kewa Neckwear ~ Long a staple worn by Navajo and other indigenous peoples, this neckwear originated with and continues to be made by Kewa (aka Santo Domingo) bead makers. They have a long history, are highly-collected and proudly worn by indigenous people and by collectors everywhere.
Click on the Image to View the Collection
Contemporary Zuñi fetish necklaces ~ The epitome of beauty made by few carvers with real (not imported) materials
Vintage Zuñi fetish necklaces ~ Dominated by a few families and either sold by the carvers or by “stringers’
Contemporary Kewa Neckwear ~ The artistry of Nestoria Coriz, a highly-collectible artisan who incorporates the old with the new, especially her ceremonial designs using her hand-made silver beads.
