This big happy alabaster bear is holding a pot with a flower engraved on the front by Rickson Kallestewa. It has inlaid jet eyes, nose, mouth, and claws, and a jet arrowhead offering bundle. As with all of Rickson's carvings, the back, legs and face have well rounded curves. It has been well loved for many years in the personal collection of the owner of Gathering Tribes.

Size: 4.75" H x 2.5" L x 1.675" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo. They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months. In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal. Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.