Featured in this lot is this beautiful Native American Zuni tribe fetish carving of a mole. Zuni Fetishes were first used as early as 650 A.D. and the fetishes that have been in Zuni tribal possession or in individual possession for centuries are considered to be the most holy and powerful fetishes as well as the more valuable fetishes. The worship of animals is looked upon by the Zuni people and other tribes as a way to relate and connect to the higher more mysterious and remote powers. The Zuni fetishes are carved to represent the animals which the Zuni people feel are the "mediators" between themselves and a higher power. The mole fetish represents awareness, grounding and introspection. It is included in both the healing and hunting directional fetish sets, and usually carved in black to represent the color of its coat and the color of the holes and caves of the earth. He is the guardian and master of the lower regions because he burrows through the earth without tiring. He is the younger brother of the Eagle and protects crops from disease and pests that threaten the harvest. This fetish is adorned with a Native American arrow point, a small shell, a small piece of sleeping beauty turquoise, and a small piece of red branch coral held together by a rawhide string. These items act as offerings to the fetishes. The mole fetish is carved out of jade stone. The fetish is in good condition with no signs of obvious damage and measures 2 3/4" L x 1 1/4" W x 1" H.