Necklace - United States Zuni bird fetish

This is a traditional sterling silver Zuni crafted necklace and earrings, dating from the mid-20th century. It features hand-carved bird fetishes made from shell interspersed with turquoise nuggets and tubular bone beads, strung on a single strand. The lot also includes matching earrings, that are also in sterling silver, both with sterling silver tubular heishi beads.
Fetish necklaces hold significant spiritual importance in Zuni culture, with each animal carving believed to possess specific powers or attributes. Bird fetishes in particular represent freedom, perspective, and communication with the spirit world.