Traditionally, Zuni Frog fetishes are regarded as symbols of Fertility and Guardians of the Rain.
El Nino, is the perfect personification of a Zuni Frog Fetish, filled with Zuni Culture and symbolism.
This Award Winning Masterpiece is carved from high quality Serpentine stone. It is incised and inlaid with a colorful array of all natural stone and shell warts.
El Nino is crowned by a hand carved, detailed Black Mother of Pearl tiara, in the form of the Rainbow Man, then lined with fur and goose down plumage. The Rainbow Man an important symbol of Protection and Life-Sustaining Rain for the A:shiwi. His colors can be seen after the Summer Rains that is depicted with the incised Rain Cloud. He carries a feather plume of Mother of Pearl and a shield of Wampam Shell, Lapis and Sterling Silver.
The offering bundle includes hand carved Mother of Pearl Fish, Black Marble Tadpoles, Mother of Pearl Frogs and Lily/Lily Pad. It is finished with Opalite and Fresh Water Pearls.
This piece was carefully thought out and executed to deliver an authentically diverse work of art that crosses the line between Traditional and Contemporary
Awards Include:
96th Annual Santa Fe Indian Market- Best of Division
96th Annual Santa Fe Indian Market- 1st Place
Heard Museum 2018 Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market- 1st Place
Artist: Ray Tsalate
About 5 1/2"high by 6 1/2"wide by 5 1/2"long
Item#1001