Sarah Fayssoux

 

The Zuni people believe that animals have a spirit force which can either help or hurt man. It is believed that carved animal fetishes host that spiritual force and, if treated properly, will help their owners to overcome the problems facing them.  Fetishes are often seen with a bundle of coral, turquoise, or an arrowhead tied to the back or side. These are offerings made to the fetish for favors already received or hoped for in the future.

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I fell in love with Native American art and culture through annual family vacations to New Mexico when I was a child.  I have been honing my skills as a ceramic artist for some time now and finally found my niche.  I create ceramic animals similar in form to Zuni fetishes but on a larger scale.  Most are in the range of 4 to 6 inches in size.  I use a variety of glazes, feathers, beads, sticks, pebbles, shells, leather and fur to decorate the animals.  Each animal has its own delightful style and personality.