Customer Reviews

Zuni Fetishes: Using Native American Sacred Objects for Meditation, Reflection, and Insight

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Hal Zina Bennett has written a very interesting book about using fetishes for meditation and guidance, accessing inner knowing. My only real objection to his book is that it purports to explain how the Zunis use fetishes and what the Zunis believe about animals. There is no evidence to support those claims, in my opinion and my 14 years of working with Zuni fetish carvers. The ideas are his own and seem sound and useful. If only he had not claimed to interpret what Zunis believe, a common failing of non-Zunis when writing about the religious, social, and spiritual beliefs of these wonderful people.

I found this book both fascinating and useful. The author offers a way to bring the ancient tools of animal fetishes into our modern lives, with thorough research and stories from the people who were his teachers. Several anecdotes from his contacts with modern Zunis tell how they continue to use these traditions in their lives--even when living modern lives in the cities. He also draws from anthropological research of Frank Hamilton Cushing, a rather amazing character in his own right, who made his home with the Zunis back in the 1800s. There's a dramatic story, told by a Zuni hunter, about early hunts when the hunter prayed for the spirit of the animal he was hunting, and upon the animal's death shared its last breaths with it. There's a tender story about a Zuni mother, still living by the old ways on the Zuni reservation, who uses her festishes to help her daughter, a nurse in the city, deal with the death of a friend. This well done and respectful book is nicely illustrated with the line drawings of Timothy White, publisher of Shaman's Drum magazine. Its greatest contribution may be that it teaches us ways to honor our sacred relationships with all creatures. This is particularly important today when we need to take much better care of the diverse creatures who help to foster the wellbeing of our planet.

This book is well written and helps fetish collectors to understand the history behind fetishes as well as explaining the meanings of each "animal". The reader learns how to put these powerful pieces to good use for him/herself. The information is usable for everyday life and today's society. Even those without fetishes can gather useful information to assist in gaining control over one's thoughts, actions and meditations. Highly recommend this book to all!

I highly recomend this book. For those seeking to understand and work with their beautiful fetish. To grow with them and through the use of them. Thankyou

Exactly what I expected. Delivered in a good amount of time. No problems at all.