White Marble Medicine Bear by Andres Lementino

An elongated white marble medicine bear with turquoise inlaid eyes, carved by Andres Lementino with one prominent gray vein. Andres' signature double Zuni sun face is inlaid to the bear's left side. The sun face is composed of eight apple coral triangle shaped 'sun rays', with lapis, apple coral, jet and gold-lip mother-of-pearl shaped bits added to name most. The sun face is an ancient symbol in Zuni culture, representing the sacred Sun Father. The symbol's round motif depicts the Sun with a forehead split down the middle to reflect the eternal balance between sunrise and sunset. To the Zuni, the sun face represents prosperity, happiness, peace, hope, optimism, and positive energy. The medicine bear shape is thought to resemble a cave opening - depicting a bear coming out of hibernation and the pose suggests that the bear is sniffing the ground for healing herbs. The Zuni believe the bear is endowed with curative powers, strength, adaptability and courage - powers that can influence both the spiritual and physical realm. Artist: Andres Lementino (signed) Size: 3/8 in. wide x 1-1/2 in. long x 1-3/4 in. tall #62688