The Zuni People (A:shiwi) say their human ancestors emerged onto Earth after passing through the Levels of Emergence, a series of four wet and chaotic underworlds. When they finally surfaced on this dry earth there were already powerful animals living here. These animals preyed upon the People, since they were naked and defenseless. They cried out to Great Spirit, the Creator of all, for help. Hearing these cries, Great Spirit dispatched the heroic War Twins armed with lighting bolts. The War Twins struck the animals with these lighting bolts and turned the creatures to stone. Their hearts however, were left beating in their ossified bodies. These creatures were entrusted with the mission of assisting humans on their journey, charged with being allies and intermediaries. The living spirit of these animals can be represented by the heartline feature, visualizing their heart and breath through the arrow extending down from the mouth and into the chest. Cameron Kalestewa's turquoise-eyed Medicine-Bear has been sculpted from Indigenous Zuni travertine. A stunning turquoise chip inlaid alternating heartline honors the essence of a bear. About 2 1/4" long, 1/2" wide and 1 1/2" tall.
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