Land of Odds

Native American Fetish Beads

Native American fetish beads come many gemstone, shell and other materials.  Native Americans have used fetishes throughout their history.  A fetish is an object believed to have magic powers.  Its paramount purpose is to assist us against any real or potential problems, either of the mind, the body or the spirit and universe.   If you are making fetish necklace or earring jewelry, you might also be interested in our selection of heishi beads.  

Sometimes fetishes are decorated with turquoise, arrowheads, coral and the like as a means of adornment.  This adornment is a show of affection and appreciation by its maker and/or owner.  The better treatment a fetish receives, the better performance it is likely to provide.

Most fetishes relate to animals, most always animals of prey.  These are acknowledged as the most powerful providers in life, so they are likewise accepted as having the greatest fetish powers.  They are generally admired for their strong hearts.  Many believe the strong heart makes them dominant, and therefore, survivors.

The Zuni Indians of New Mexico believe strongly in six cardinal guardian fetishes.  Each is a symbol of a direction and has a specific color which is synonymous with the direction.  The guardian fetish of the North is the mountain lion (yellow).  The South (red) is the badger, the West (blue) is the bear and the East (white) is the wolf.  Additionally, the mole is the guardian of the Nadir or inner earth (black) and Zepath is the eagle (all colored bird forms).

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