Jobeth Maize — Vintage Zuni Bear Sculpture with Navajo Beadwork

An authentic Zuni fetish bear sculpture by celebrated Native American artist Jobeth Maize, adorned with Navajo beadwork and arrowhead accents. A meaningful and collectible piece of Indigenous American art.

The Sacred Zuni Fetish Bear

Among the Zuni Pueblo people of western New Mexico, fetish carvings have been central to spiritual life for over a thousand years. These small carved figures — known as wemawe — are believed to house the living spirit of the animal they depict, serving as intermediaries between the human world and the natural and spiritual realms. Fetishes are not decorative objects in the Western sense; they are sacred companions, traditionally kept in carved stone bowls, fed with cornmeal, and consulted for guidance, protection, and healing.

The bear occupies the most revered position in the Zuni fetish tradition. As guardian of the West — one of the six sacred directions in Zuni cosmology — the bear is associated with healing, strength, and the power of introspection. Medicine men and healers have long carried bear fetishes as symbols of their calling, and the bear is believed to possess the ability to cure illness and ward off harm. In Zuni belief, the bear’s willingness to stand upright — to walk between the animal and human worlds — makes it uniquely powerful as a spiritual ally.

Many Zuni fetish bears carry a heartline — an arrow or line running from the mouth toward the heart — representing the breath of life and the direct connection between the animal’s spirit and its physical form. Arrowhead accents, like those on this piece, are traditional protective symbols, believed to deflect negative energy and reinforce the fetish’s guardian power.

The tradition of fetish carving has been passed down through Zuni families for generations, with certain clans and lineages known for their distinctive styles and stone choices. Today, authentic signed fetishes by recognized Zuni artists are among the most collectible forms of Native American art, prized equally for their spiritual heritage and their extraordinary craftsmanship.

Navajo Beadwork

The Navajo Nation, the largest Native American nation in the United States, has a rich tradition of adornment and material culture that includes intricate beadwork, silversmithing, and weaving. Navajo beadwork — characterized by bold color combinations, geometric patterning, and the use of turquoise, coral, shell, and seed beads — carries deep cultural meaning, often reflecting clan identity, ceremonial significance, and connection to the land. The pairing of Navajo beadwork with a Zuni fetish bear on this piece represents a beautiful cross-cultural dialogue between two of the Southwest's most celebrated artistic traditions.

About Jobeth Maize

Jobeth Maize is a respected Native American artist working at the intersection of Zuni and Navajo artistic traditions. Her fetish sculptures are known for their expressive carving, careful attention to spiritual symbolism, and the quality of their adornment — each piece a handcrafted original that reflects both personal artistry and deep cultural heritage. Signed works by Jobeth Maize are collected by serious enthusiasts of Indigenous American art and Southwest craft.

Details

• Artist: Jobeth Maize (Zuni / Navajo)
• Style: Zuni Fetish Bear
• Accents: Navajo beadwork, arrowhead
• Measurements: 9 inches long by 7.5 inches tall

Condition

Excellent condition, some signs of having been loved. Please review all high-resolution photos carefully as they form part of the condition description.