Black Marble Medicine Bear by Melvin Sandoval

A Belgian marble medicine bear carved by the abstract artist Melvin Sandoval with a lovely offering bundle circling the girth featuring two turquoise beads surrounded by melon shell heishi.. Melvin carved the bear abstractly with an incised line carved in relief to distinguish the front legs. The characteristic attributes are the powerful muscles in the bear's back and the shape of the face. 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 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. Artist: Melvin Sandoval Size: 5/8 in. wide x 2 in. long x 2 in. tall #65115