Vintage Fetish Necklace by Lavina Tsikewa of Zuni Pueblo

About the Piece:

Years ago, Lavina Tsikewa of Zuni Pueblo hand carved the delicate birds and other animals on this truly exquisite three strand vintage fetish necklace. The precious carvings are small and quiet, but there are almost 100 of them, so all together, the fetish necklace becomes a powerful statement piece.

You'll find a beautiful array of stones on this necklace including turquoise, coral, pipestone, spiny oyster, serpentine, shell and more. Each fetish is strung on extra fine vintage olivella shell heishi from Kewa Pueblo.

There's an almost indescribable presence to this piece — as if each of those creatures carries its own little personality. That makes sense, as Lavina Tsikewa is a master carver from a renowned line of fetish carvers. She is the daughter of David and Mary Tsikewa and the granddaughter of Teddie Weahkee.

This necklace comes from the ex-collection of Martha Hopkins Struever. It measures 30" long and is signed with a sterling silver stamped tag.

Styling tip: even though this is a vintage traditional fetish necklace, don't be afraid to try it with your more contemporary Native American jewelry.

Be sure to watch this video to see how impressive the necklace is when worn.

Summary:

Vintage Fetish Necklace by Lavina Tsikewa of Zuni Pueblo

Item:
Three-strand Zuni fetish necklace

Attribution:
Lavina Tsikewa (Zuni Pueblo)

Materials:
Turquoise, coral, pipestone, spiny oyster, serpentine, shell, and other stones with vintage olivella shell heishi from Kewa Pueblo; sterling silver tag

Dimensions:
30" long

Signature:
Sterling silver stamped tag

Provenance:
Ex-collection of Martha Hopkins Struever