The New Mexico shrew ( Sorex neomexicanus ) is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is found only in New Mexico in the Capitan and Sandia-Manzano Mountains.
The Zuni believe in a sacred six directional protection of animals with each direction represented with a color. North is protected by Mountain Lion and his color is Yellow. West is Protected by Bear and his color is Blue. South is protected by Badger and his color is Red. East is protected by Wolf and his color is White. Above, the Sky is protected by Eagle and his color is Multi-color. Below, underground or Mother Earth is protected by Shrew and his color is Black.
The Shrew protects the crop from disease, small animals and insects. His medicine is awareness and grounding, has the ability to look within.
This protector of Mother Earth is hand carved of Elk Antler. The little bitty eyes are inlaid with Black Pen Shell and his nose is of Mediterranean Coral. The necklaces are inlaid with Green Serpentine, Mediterranean Coral, Lapis, Variscite, Kingman Turquoise and Black Pen Shell.
An impressive robe detailed with the very thing the shrew eats to protect the crop. Colorful insects of Abalone, Kingman Turquoise, Mediterranean Coral, Pink Mussel Shell, Green Serpentine and Japanese Coral. The border of the robe is inlaid stone to stone Black Pen Shell, Red Spiny Oyster Shell, Green Serpentine, Phosphosiderite, Orville Jack Turquoise, Lapis, Japanese Coral, Fox Turquoise & Pink Mussel Shell.
The Eagle feather on top of his head is a hand carved Gold Lip Mother of Pearl wrapped in Sterling Silver.
The Shrew is small but a mighty hunter and protector of Mother Earth.
Artist: Troy Sice
Signed: Troy Sice Zuni copyright 2022 12/27/2022 @ 10 PM
About: 4"t by 2 1/4"w by 1 5/8"l
Item# 1337