Native American Indians have used stone fetishes throughout recorded history; particularly those of the Southwest. These stone fetishes represent the spirits of animals or the forces of nature and are most often used in an effort to master the arbitrary and unpredictable forces beyond their control.
Fetishes may be of any form or material. Regardless of the form or material, however, a fetish has one paramount purpose: to assist man against any real or potential problems, which can be problems of the mind, body or even the universe.
Following is a list of several traditional and common fetishes, and their accompanying meanings.
Armadillo– The keeper of the home; slow and sure
Badger- Aggressive and persistent; a healer
Bat- The guardian of the night
Bear– Represents strength, introspection, healing, and the spiritual journey
Beaver- A hard working builder; attains a sense of achievement
Bobcat- Clairvoyant, knows secrets
Bison- Represents abundance; endurance
Butterfly- A transformer; has the ability to know or change the mind
Cornmaiden– A bringer of life; represents potential
Coyote- A master trickster; humorous, foolish
Crow- The keeper of the sacred law
Deer- Embodies gentleness
Dog- A true friend; represents loyalty
Dolphin- Friendly, trusting and loyal
Duck- Holds the spirits of those who have passed on
Eagle- Represents great integrity and a soaring spirit; a teacher
Elk- Represents pacing and stamina
Fish- A purifier; able to hide emotions
Fox- Master of camouflage and protection
Frog- Bringer of rain, fertility, abundance
Hawk- Messenger of the gods
Horned Toad- Represents self-reliance, longevity
Horse- swift, strong and healing
Hummingbird-A messenger, a stopper of time
Lizard- Agile and good at conversation
Mole- The keeper of the underground
Moose- Headstrong, resolute; has longevity
Mountain Lion-A resourceful leader
Mouse- Represents attention to detail; scrutiny
Otter- Embodies humor curiosity and mischief
Owl- Protector of the home; has true wisdom and sees what others cannot
Parrot- A symbol of the sun (its colorful plumage recalls the rainbow)
Porcupine- Represents faith and trust
Quail-A sacred spirit; ceremonial; holy
Rabbit- Special guardian of women in childbirth; assures long life for children
Raccoon- Embodies shyness and resourcefulness
Ram-Self worth
Raven- The magician, represents change in consciousness
Seal- Family oriented; possesses power in numbers
Skunk- Conspicuous and intense
Snake- Represents life, death, rebirth
Spider-Embodies creative patterns of life
Squirrel- Represents natural intelligence; a saver who protects its reserves
Turkey-Smart, elusive, festive
Turtle- Symbol of Mother Earth and longevity
Wolf- Teacher, pathfinder, protector, hunter