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Zuni Indians
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The use of fetishes by the Zuni Indians dates prior to pre-Columbian times, and their use is as prevalent today as it was in the past. All tribes in the Southwest make use of fetishes, but the Zuni have always had the reputation for being the most skillful at carving them. For this reason, all other tribes have always looked to Zuni Indian fetishes as their source for personal charms, talismans, and amulets. There are many purposes for which fetishes can be used: hunting, propagation, protection or even as a pet. The most prevalent belief is that the power resides in the spirit dwelling within the fetish, rather than the fetish itself. The difference between a carving and a fetish is purely a matter of belief.
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The prevalence of albuminuria among nondiabetic Zuni Indians is among the highest reported among nondiabetic American Indians (32). Two distinct types of renal disease, e.g., diabetic nephropathy and mesangiopathic glomerulonephritis (Mes GN), occur among the Zuni (5–7,33). In 1986 to 1987, the prevalence of proteinuria among self-selected members of the Zuni Pueblo (n = 1627) was 7.1%, and only a third of the cases were attributed to diabetes (30). Between 1973 and 1983, diabetic nephropathy and chronic glomerulonephritis accounted for 24% and 40%, respectively, of ESRD (6). A high proportion of renal biopsy specimens have shown Mes GN, frequently with IgA positivity on immunoflourescence and electron dense deposits on electron microscopy (7,33).
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The Zuni Indians live in a villagein New Mexico approximately thirty-five miles south of Gallup. Incredibly, over half of the tribal members are involved in handcrafting indian jewelry. The use of stones and shells is particularly significant in Zuni designs, and their fetish necklaces are considered by many to be their most striking and original design contribution. These whimsical necklaces are crafted with an abundance of miniature and delicate stone carvings of likenesses of birds, bears, frogs and other animals. These carvings, which are usually made from turquoise, mother-of-pearl, coral, abalone, ivory and shells, are strung on strands of heishe which are made by Santo Domingo Indians.
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The Zuni Indians thought the blue turquoise was male and represented the sky while the green turquoise was female and represented the earth. The Zuni were known for their fetishes – objects that were believed to have supernatural powers. Fetishes such as small animal carvings were often made of turquoise or used turquoise for eyes. The use of turquoise in ceremonies was very important to the Zuni. The Rio Grande Pueblos thought that the turquoise color in the stone was stolen from the sky to put into the stone. Believing turquoise would bring good fortune, they decorated their most valuable idols with it. Many times, turquoise jewelry in created with a complimenting color such as red beads.
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The Zuni Indians were located in New Mexico. Their homes were made of a terraced, stone and adobe pueblos on hills overlooking the river. They lived by agriculture, or farming. They grew corn, beans, squash and chiles. During the last hundred years, the Zuni Indians developed skills as jewelry makers and are now famous for this work.
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Zuni Indians