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In Arizona both the Hopis and the Navajos have similar objects,
fetishes made from stone as well as other materials. Some
are fossils, others are made of wood or clay or other natural
materials.
In many instances, it is difficult to distinguish
between an object used to convey a prayer to the Deities and one
that bestows the benefits of the Other World upon its owner. On
the other hand, when a perfect ear of Corn is placed beside a
Hopi infant during its naming ceremony and is referred to as the
child's "Mother," the ear of Corn is a Fetish. It is
believed to furnish protection, to bond the newborn with the
Spirit of the Corn, to be an insurance against famine and is
conceived of as the "Mother" of all Hopi's.
Among
the many fetishes of the Zuni were those of stone
made of travertine, aragonite, turquoise, alabaster, jet and
other stones were carried by most men. |
