This smiling bear was made from turquoise with jet eyes and smile by Zuni carver, Claudia Peina. She inlaid six red coral stones on the body and jet claws. Just because this bear is smiling doesn't mean it isn't powerful. A sterling silver bale is on top of its head to be worn or hung. More about bears below.

Size: 2.5" H x .875" L x .375" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo. They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months. In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal. Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.1