Everyone could use a shaggy Bear  friend to encourage them through the rough and rocky patches of life. Carved by Paulette and Farlan Quam, this Picasso marble bear wears a sweet and peaceful expression letting you know you are not in this alone. An incised a furry coat keeps this bear warm and cozy, while a cheerful purple shell and turquoise offering bundle brings an extra dose of optimism.  Warm and loving eyes of inlaid turquoise complete this approximately 2 1/8" long, 1 1/4" wide, and 1 1/2" tall companion bear. 

We're happy to welcome Davis Coonsis to Keshi's website with a fishing Bear sculpted from jet with turquoise eyes. A juicy fish is from turquoise with jet features. Bears are wonderful hunters using different fishing techniques. Sometimes they wait and watch the water before pinning down a fast swimming fish. Or they may simply dive and chase their prey. When bears carry fish away from banks and into the woods, the carcasses decompose providing excellent nutrients to the soil which helps plants grow healthy and strong. The fortified plants are then eaten by other animals. Altogether, measurements are roughly 2" long, 3/4" wide and 1 1/4" tall.

Melvin Sandoval's artistry blesses this Bear with a comforting presence. He has no formal art training but learned on his own through studying books and at first, working only with hand tools. By the way, this Mexican dolomite specimen is glorious. By honoring a bear’s natural traits such as strength, journeying, protection, mothering, hunting and gathering, we can try and summon those great qualities within ourselves. Dimensions are approximately 3 1/2" long, 1" wide, and 1 5/8" tall.

You can never go wrong adding a Medicine-bear carved by Stewart Quandelacy and Priscilla Lasiloo Quandelacy to your collection. They are beautifully hewn from amazing materials. Their Medicine Bears are created with rounded backs that resemble the entrance to a cave or den. In nature, Bears torpor teaching us that we have an amazing healing potential within ourselves too. A powerful link between our thoughts and physical health can influence our well-being. Sculpted from marble and inlaid with turquoise eyes and an alternating heartline or breath path, dimensions are about 2 5/8" long, 1/2" wide and 2 1/2" tall.

Brian Yatsattie is a prolific artist creating personality-plus animals from choice stones such as this collectible Bear from stunning blueberry azurite. Nature did the work in blending colorful azurite, malachite and chrysocolla in a harmonious way. Jet inlaid eyes give this friend a gentle presence. Bears have powers we do not like self-healing. They teach us to take the initiative in caring for ourselves physically, spiritually and emotionally. About 3 1/4" long, 1 1/4" wide and 2 3/4" tall.

Andres Lementino's spectacular onyx Medicine-Bear is inlaid stone to stone with a Zuni Sunface symbol, which represents the elements in harmony and balance. He achieved this striking Sunface by combining lively apple coral, sky blue turquoise, iridescent mother-of-pearl and jet set meticulously side by side. Tiny eyes from turquoise forage for juicy roots and rhizomes. About 3 1/4" long, 7/8" wide and 3" tall.

Kenric Laiwakete's dynamic Bear has been sculpted from an amazing fluorite naturally enriched with purple hues. Purple is viewed by many as a curative color. Bears have powers that humans do not and are revered for healing qualities by The People. A great combination of creature and stone. Eyes and heartlines or breath paths are set with lovely turquoise. About 3" long, 1 1/2" wide and 1 3/4" tall.

When asked by Pautiwa The Sun Father what he wanted, Anshe (Bear) replied that he desired to go to Zuni with the other Katsina spirits. His request granted, the other Katsinas had him take off his fur coat and dressed him like a Katsina to be part of a Mixed Dance. Felino Eriacho's stunning Bear Katsina doll is hand-carved from cottonwood. He makes the pastel-like pigments from plants and minerals he forages, mixing them according to tradition and experience. This practice can take a full year to complete due to seasonal changes. These natural paints are mesmerizingly beautiful giving the carving a softly-aged appearance. The gorgeous blue hues are derived from lapis lazuli and turquoise. An offering necklace is laced with turquoise and branch red coral beads. The carved feather element is securely glued to the head, otherwise the entire woodwork is one piece. Including base, measurements are about 7 1/2" tall, roughly 2 3/8" wide and 2 1/8" deep. Signed by the artist.

Bernard Laiwakete comes from a great line of Zuni carvers: the Mahooty, Lasiloo and Laiwakete families. His son is carver Kenric Laiwakete and several of his brothers carve as well. They're known for inlaying gorgeous heartlines often in multiples. Heartlines represent the figurative breath path of an animal carving. An interesting spiral shell limestone Bear is out enjoying the cooler days of late autumn before hibernation calls. Turquoise inlaid eyes take in all of the season's delights such as fresh air, soothing light and new trails. The double heartline presentation from turquoise is stunning. About 2 5/8" long, 5/8" wide and 1 1/2" tall.

Motor agate or Fordite is a recycled material from hardened paint by way of automobile factories. Creative artists like Brian Yatsattie enjoy working with this exciting substance because each piece is swirling with amazing hues. A charming Bear in a snug blanket has been sculpted from a metallic black, white and grey motor agate to a size of approximately 2 1/8" tall, 1" wide and 5/8" deep. Contented eyes are from jet inlays.

In Zuni traditional ways, long ago the Father of Medicine Societies Po-shai-an-kia established predatory animals as Guardians of the Six-Directions one of which is the powerful Bear of The West. Carved from one portion of red onyx, Adrian Cachini's guardian Bear stands watch through turquoise inlaid eyes. The Pueblo village is represented by small carved blocks, little wood beams and doorways. Strong and upright, the bear wears an inlaid necklace from red coral. About 2 3/4" tall, 1 3/8" wide and 5/8" deep.

It's always special to get a carving that's been created from a mineral indigenous to the Zuni Pueblo area. Here we have a mighty fishing Bear by Fred Bowannie, Jr. He enjoys hiking around Zuni country with his good buddy, fellow artist Felino Eriacho to locate the choicest stones. This pen shell-eyed bruin has been hewn from Zuni hematite and etched for great fur effect. The rich brown colors resemble sacred earth as the hematite gives off a natural lovely sheen. A watery fish has been sculpted from iridescent abalone and inlaid with a pen shell eye. Together, measurements of this gorgeous piece are approximately 4" long, 1 1/2" wide and 2" tall.

We're thrilled to share a collectible and rare 5-stand fetish necklace circa 1975, by the Tsikewa family. This noted group of Zuni Pueblo carvers has lineage from the late great artist Teddy Weahkee. His daughter was Mary Tsikewa who was married to David Tsikewa, famous for his fetish necklaces. Their family includes Lavina Tsikewa Kaskalla and Rudy Tsikewa among others.

Labor intensive to carve, each exquisite feathered friend and powerful Bear represent the interconnectedness of all living things. There are even white bears present on the strands indicative of healing and strength. Each carving is worthy of visitation and appreciation. Rich materials include hand-rolled fine baby olive snail heishe, turquoise, golden gold lip shell, Pacific green snail shell, mother-of-pearl, vivid red coral, spiny oyster shell, iridescent abalone, serpentine and pink mussel shell. The tiniest animals are about 1/2" long, while the largest ones are approximately 1 1/4" long. Eyes are drilled and filled with jet paste. The overall length of this masterpiece is about 30" long, weighing 53 grams.

Brown and black bears can live in forests at sea level. Perhaps Burt Awelagte's turquoise-eyed Bear journeyed to a favorite sandy beach and brought back an ocean-inspired offering bundle containing a gorgeous little seashell, honey-hued amber and sea-foam green turquoise nuggets. Carved from a lovely banded travertine onyx, our beach-loving friend measures approximately 3 1/2" long, 1" wide and roughly 2 1/4" tall.

Bears are a spiritual and ecological force. They are fellow beings considered close family members by Indigenous cultures. Bears teach us qualities about protection, strength and healing. They are also forest managers whose foraging habits and mighty claws aerate the soil, while scat spreads vital seeds and contributes to nutrient cycling. Burt Awelagte is from the greater Othole family of Zuni Pueblo artists. His late cousin Joey Quam helped him get started in carving. We adore Burt's animals like this growling Bear made from a lively alabaster. Eyes are from jet inlays. About 2 3/4" long, 3/4" wide and roughly 1 3/4" tall.

Master carver Felino Eriacho and his good friend fellow carver Fred Bowannie, Jr. hike around Zuni land to find incredible local materials to create animal carvings from. A stunning portion of found septarian is from the Fence Lake area near Zuni. Felino transformed the septarian into a wonderful fishing Bear with sweet pen shell eyes to a height of approximately 4 1/2" tall, 4" wide and 4 1/2" long. Beautifully polished, a stunning network of calcite formations create amazing texture and are fun to inspect. Two small natural crevices in the calcite are enchanting enough to warrant visiting with a small flashlight. The wonderfully etched fish has pen shell eyes. Signed by the artist.

A loving family means no one gets left behind in Maxx Laate's Bear clan as they journey together. Each of the three bears have individuality and wonderful personality. Eyes are from turquoise. Maxx and his late brother Pernell Laate learned the art of fetish carving from their uncle Willard Laate. Measurements of this masterpiece from one piece of jet are about 4" long, 1" wide and 7/8" tall. We love how they're presented on an arrow point base, simply exquisite.

Two tender-hearted Bear cubs stay close to mother as they spend a day in training. Pueblo cultures view bears as family members with exemplary mothers who display ardent devotion, protection and love for their cubs. Celebrate strong maternal instincts in Chris Peina's bear carving from one portion of antler. Eyes are from turquoise inlays. Fur is beautifully etched, while ears, muzzles and paws are sweetly rendered. About 4" tall, 2 3/4" wide and 2" deep.

Similar to fordite or other motor agates, surfite is a by-product material created when surfboards are made. The process of making surfboards includes pouring resin over foam and fiberglass forms. The excess resin from multiple boards will pool and harden on the shop floor creating beautiful and dazzling patterns when cross sectioned. This resin will not decompose if thrown into a landfill so the creation of Zuni fetish carvings gives this material new life as a faux gemstone. Since the designs from surfite are organically created and unique, each piece carved from surfite is just as special. We're admiring the great color formations seen in this approximately 3 1/4" long, 5/8" wide and 2" tall groovy surfite Bear by Larry Peina. Cute eyes are from turquoise inlays, while a serpentine point offering bundle is secured.

Burt Awelagte's talkative Bear huffs and growls. Different species of bears make different sounds. Also, it's said that black bears rarely growl but emit other vocalizations like moaning and bellowing. Bears have powers that we do not and are revered by Indigenous cultures. Carved from leopard marble, this turquoise-eyed friend is about 4" long, 3/4" wide and 2 1/4" tall. An elegant offering bundle is composed from spiny oyster shell and turquoise nuggets, accompanied by a gorgeous sliver of turquoise.

Crouching low, Stevan Natachu's serpentine Bear takes in the scents of the forest through a jet inlaid nose. Eyes from turquoise enjoy the views. An offering bundle is composed from a stunning point that is arranged stone to stone with colorful turquoise, spiny oyster shell and jet. Approximately 4" long, 2" wide and 1 1/4" tall. A gorgeous fetish to remind us to protect and respect wildlife.

The stone-to-stone jewelry technique requires the utmost skill to fit specially cut stones and shells side by side. Sheryl and Strallie Edaakie’s handmade sterling silver Medicine-Bear bolo tie demonstrates their mastery of this challenging art. Colorful sections of pen shell, turquoise, mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, gold lip shell, coral and spiny oyster shell are arranged in a stunning mosaic to form the Bear's body. Lovely hand-stamping surrounds the silver frame which is 1 5/8" square. The adjustable braided black leather bolo is about 48" long including the 2" sterling silver tips. Signed by the artist.

Part of the fun in collecting Zuni fetish carvings is the stones. Kyle Awelagte used a gorgeous alabaster when carving a uniquely shaped Bear. It has a little bit of everything like natural patterning and warm peach hues. Reflecting the complexity of the natural world including the ever-shifting seasons, this wonderful turquoise-eyed bear is about 3" long, 7/8" wide and 2 3/8" tall. An offering bundle consists of golden amber, turquoise and fresh water pearl beads.

Clayton Panteah's journeying Bear has been carved from an amazing specimen of spirit stone fluorite, marbled with deep lavender, teal green and golden hues. Clayton's precise fur etching only enhances the beauty within this mineral that's said to promote calmness and refreshed energy. Eyes are bright from turquoise inlays. About 2 1/2" long, 1 1/8" wide and 1 1/8" tall.

Medicine-bears with their rounded backs remind us to rest, strengthen and restore ourselves as they do in nature, going to their den in torpor. Upright or standing Bears are regarded as demonstrating strength and power. And white bears are seen as sacred and healing. Carver and jeweler Nelson Yatsattie's fetish pendant necklace and earrings set honors the valuable examples taught by the different postured bears. Each bear is carved from iridescent mother-of-pearl. The lovely handmade sterling silver necklace is about 29" long including the center Medicine Bear, that itself is roughly 1 7/8" long and 1 7/8" wide. The side standing bears are about 1 1/2" long and 1" wide. The coordinating post earrings are approximately 1 1/2" long and 1" wide. They are of a medium to heavyweight in wearability. Each wonderful bear has jet inlays and eyes. An exquisite set to keep and wear, or to give as a cherished gift. Signed by the artist.

Bear fetishes are used for healing, protection, strength, journeying, mothering, hunting and gathering. Cheryl Beyuka's given us double bear medicine in this duo carved from lively spiny oyster shell. Each wonderful bear has eyes from inlaid jet and they're bound together with a lapis lazuli, turquoise, coral and shell bead offering bundle. The beads comes in all shapes and sizes, gorgeous! Offering bundle are a gift, a way of acknowledging an animal's special traits in nature and the example it sets for us. Approximately 1 7/8" long, 1" wide and 1 1/8" tall.

A bear's animal medicine or its natural traits encompass qualities like strength, healing, journeying and family. Carved from a handsome piece of onyx whose two sides are equally beautiful, Bernard Laiwakete's strong Bear measures about 4 5/8" long, 1 3/4" wide and 2 1/2 tall. An exquisitely inlaid alternating turquoise heartline and eyes light up the golden and milky hues of the mineral. The heartline represents the breath or essence of an animal. The offering bundle from a Zuni Sunface element along with heishe beads is a gift from the carver honoring the bear's spirit. The neat Sunface button is created from turquoise, coral, jet and mother-of-pearl.

In the old days, the famous Larson Boat Works out of Little Falls, Minnesota built a variety of wooden boats, making the switch to fiberglass hulls in the 1950's. These days, up-cycled paint from the rare boats is now transformed into fabulous artworks like Brian Yatsattie's vibrant Medicine-Bear. The exciting yellow, green, cream, blue, teal and red colors form dizzying patterns of delight. Each side is unique so it is like getting two Bears in one. Eyes are from jet inlays. Dimensions of this collectible friend are approximately 3 1/2" long, 5/8" wide and 2 1/2" tall.

With lips parted and teeth showing, Armond Sandoval's excited travertine Bear cub smiles wide. Happy eyes are from marble inlays, while an offering necklace has small turquoise and coral beads. A lot of etching marks show fur detail, while paws are etched and perhaps filled with jet paste. A darling upright friend measuring about 4" tall, 1 3/8" wide and 2" deep.

Larry Peina's fabulously unique Bear is carved from a wonderful piece of zebra marble. The black and white bear stands on all fours with vibrant eyes of inlaid turquoise. Larry chose an incredible piece of rainbow obsidian for the arrow point offering bundle. This bear, with a strong stance and tiny claw details, measures about 4" long, 1 5/8" wide by 1 5/8" tall. 

Amethyst is a variety of quartz said to lift one's spirits and sooth emotions. Frankie Poblano Chattin's sweetly-spirited Bear has been smoothly sculpted from this semi-precious gem bursting with captivating violet color. Hopeful eyes are from turquoise inlays. In a gesture of gratitude for a bear's animal medicine of strength, hunting, journeying, healing and mothering, among other amazing qualities, Frankie secured an offering bundle containing a lovely turquoise point accompanied by coral and balancing tourmalated quartz beads. About 3 5/8" long, 1 3/4" wide and 1 3/8" tall.