Septarian Nodule Bear With a Maiden by Kateri Sanchez

A striking muted olive, crystalline gold and brown veined septarian nodule medicine bear with jet inlaid eyes carved by Kateri Sanchez. Kateri has placed a maiden on the left back end of the bear's body - quite strikingly noticeable due to the contrasting gold-lip inlaid face and jet features. Kateri also incised star bursts and one dragonfly around the maiden - then she inlaid them with jet pigment. The Zuni tribe view the bear as a powerful symbol of healing, protection, strength, and introspection. As the designated protector of the West, the bear is considered a vital spiritual guide and is a source of wisdom during times of change and transition. The maiden symbolizes abundance, fertility and feminine energy. In Zuni tradition, combining a corn maiden and a bear represents the ultimate balance between the life-giving forces of nature and physical protection. It pairs the sustenance of the harvest with fierce guardianship, Artist: Kateri Sanchez (signed) Size: 1 in. wide x 2 in. long x 1-1/2 in. tall #64792