Pueblo of Zuni

Considered the most traditional of all of New Mexico’s Pueblos, the Zuni people have a unique language, culture and history that is the result of their geographic isolation. With perhaps 80% of the workforce involved in making arts, Zuni is indeed an “artist colony. They express their cultural traditions through art, particularly through painting, pottery, jewelry and fetish carving. Zuni people have been skilled lapidary artisans since ancient times and contemporary Zuni jewelers have taken the art of silver and stone decorative jewelry to another level. They are known for making Needlepoint (tiny needle shaped stones), Pettipoint (tiny round, oval or square stones) and turquoise inlaid jewelry since the early 20th century. Today’s Zuni jewelry is some of the most popular silver and stonework in the southwest with a unique look which can be easily spotted by collectors and jewelry connoisseurs alike.   While many Native people carve fetishes or animal representations from a variety of substances, Zuni small carvings are of animals and icons integral to the Zuni culture.  Extremely popular to collectors and as wearable art, contemporary Zuni animal carvings are not correctly described as fetishes.  Personal fetishes have been blessed and are never sold, but instead carefully cared for.   Much can be learned about Zuni culture and art at the A:shiwi A:wan Museum & Heritage Center on the Pueblo.

For Directions, information about hours, admission fees and programs go to: http://zunitourism.com/