Zuñi fetish necklaces are a unique Native American jewelry art form practiced by a small number of fetish carvers, most of whom were related and were contemporaries. The origins of Zuñi fetish necklaces come from an era when there was no way to easily carry the talismans that the carvings represent. They were worn either singly or a couple of accretions bundled with leather around the neck. There were no tools to allow drilling of the stones. The drilling was only possible with trading post generators. In time, probably as early as the 1930s, necklaces were designed to appeal to collectors. The descendants of Teddy Weahkee (in particular Pete and Dinah Gasper, Lena and Rignie Boone), the descendants of George Haloo CheeChee (Emerson and Rosalia Quam and their children), as well as the Tsikewa and the Delena families are among the best-known Zuñi Fetish Necklace artisans. The most highly-sought-after Zuñi fetish necklaces and Native American jewelry were made by Leekya Deyuse. Some of his descendants made necklaces, including his daughter Sarah Leekya.
When you are looking for Zuñi fetish necklaces and other Native American jewelry, contact Best of Zuni.
Zuni Fetish Necklaces
Shown here are necklaces by Sarah Leekya, Rosita Kamassee, Lena Boone, Debra Gasper, Virginia Toombs, Eddington Hannaweekee, Georgianne Quandelacy and Andres Quandelacy.