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Fetishes
are among the oldest devices used by humans as gateways
to the Spirits, wards against misfortune and magnets for
powers beyond the capabilities of ordinary people. The
form that a Fetish takes depends upon the time,
the people, and the beliefs of the individual. A
rabbit's foot, a clump of feathers, a lucky cap, a stone
animal, a symbol painted on a scrap of cloth or paper,
an ear of corn - all can be fetishes.
A Fetish can be any object that is
believed to be capable of saving owners from harm,
disease, malignant spirits and such like, or to promote
their well being, good fortune, or luck. In essence
giving one an "edge".
In
the Southwest, the most commonly known Fetishes
are the well‑publicized small stone animals made by the
Zuni's of New Mexico in shell, jet, turquoise,
and many other semi-precious stones.
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