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, or even as a decorative inlay.
Todd Westika's standing howlite Bear has a gorgeous carved turquoise point offering secured with silver wire in a style unique to him that we haven't seen in a while. A small necklace is from inlaid turquoise. Todd's been carving since 1990 and his grandfather told him “Always have good thoughts when you are working because that energy goes into the carving.” Discerning eyes are from sterling silver inlays. About 3" tall, 1 1/8" wide and 7/8" deep.
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