Turquoise Medicine Bear by Andres Lementino

A composite powder blue turquoise medicine bear with a multicolored blue and gray matrix and jet inlaid eyes carved by Andres Lementino. We were told that the composite is made from compressed Sleeping Beauty Mine from Globe, Arizona. Andres has added his signature double Zuni sun face to the bear's left side - inlaid with bits of dark apple coral,gold-lip, jet and mother-of-pearl. 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. The medicine bear shape is thought to resemble a cave opening - depicting a bear coming out of hibernation and the pose is the bear 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: 5/16 in. wide x 1-5/16 in. long x 1-5/16 in. tall #64403