A feature often seen on Zuni animal carvings are bundles of stones and shells tied to the main carving, known as offering bundles. Traditionally these bundles were arrowheads given to the animals associated with hunting as a blessing by medicine men. When seen commercially, offering bundles are often an aesthetic and creative choice, visualizing a gift of gratitude from the carver to the spirit of the animal for the medicine that animal has to teach. Some artists also use them as a kind of signature or hallmark. The gifts are represented in many different ways, sometimes a carved arrowhead, a string of stone, another carved animal or even as a decorative inlay.
Kateri Quandelacy Sanchez's stunning Bear pairing has an exquisite offering: the little dazzling lapis bear itself, as well as an amazing array of beads, some faceted. They include rich garnet, healing amethyst, quartz, heavenly pink quartz, fine heishe and other delicious ones. The labradorite bear is alive with incredible green and blue fire. Both creatures have eyes from jet inlays. Etched star and Dragonfly elements are filled with jet paste. Dimensions in their entirety are about 4 1/2" long, roughly 2 1/2" wide and 4" tall.
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