Vintage Zuni Fetish Necklace Two Strands Multiple Animals

One of the types of Native American jewelry that's most honoring to the precious animals of the world is the fetish necklace strung with multiple hand-carved shell and stone birds and other creatures. Most associated with Zuni Pueblo, fetish necklaces can also come from Navajo and Kewa Pueblo makers. Unfortunately, you'll also find a glut of "fake" Native American fetish necklaces that come from overseas. 

Each fetish necklace has its own personality entirely dictated by the endearing animals that are placed on its strands. This one is extra extra sweet for the array of different hand carved birds and other animals you'll find hanging from its two long strands, carefully brought to life by a carver's hands. The darling fetishes appear in loving pairs that will sit on your neck across from each other.

Among the 36 whimsical creatures you'll find the following pairs just full of charm:

• Thelma and Thornton, the teeny turquoise hummingbirds who have flown all the way up from South America
• Henry and June, the cutest red abalone tadpoles currently enjoying their tails but dreaming of legs
• Bertha and Begonia, two BFF bears who emerged into this world from pipestone and spend much of their time engaging with Rusty and Rojita the black (jet) bear couple
• Celeste and David, the natural turquoise frogs that live for the moments when the necklace sways just so allowing them to steal a kiss
• Tim and Tina, the shell turtles. Tina has a pretty pink belly and Tim has a sleek white one.
• Samuel and John are the only "mismatched" pair. Samuel is one hunk of a an orange tadpole and John is a slender white fox. Upon first glance, you might not think they'd have much in common, but they've become very close because they each have the honor of hanging in the very center of their own strand. 

Perhaps because of the love that emanates between the pairs of animals in this necklace, it was originally collected by a husband and wife who were also very much in love, married young and began traveling the American Southwest together, collecting Native American jewelry and other art. Throughout their lives, they returned time and again to this beloved region that held so much meaning and joy for them, each trip acquiring a few more pieces of Native American jewelry that also held meaning and joy.

This dear necklace measures 26 1/2" from end to end. It closes with silver cones. Each animal and bird friend measures about 3/4" to 1" long.