Claudia Peina Reimagines
The Zuni Fetish

By Rebekah Powers | June 2024

New Arrivals from Claudia Peina

A Zuni fetish is an animal, bird or figure carved from stone, turquoise, or antler, usually no bigger than you can easily hold in your hand. The first Zuni fetishes were good luck totems to carry for the hunt. In time, they came to symbolize many different qualities and strengths inherent in nature.

Claudia Peina has become one of the most acclaimed and ambitious of all the Zuni fetish carvers and she has reimagined the art form with innovative results. Known for her large standing figures that gleam like porcelain, Peina has perfected the polish and carving of elk antler, and other natural materials to create figures that come alive. Peina is known too, for the meticulous inlay of turquoise, coral and jet stones that punctuate, define and decorate her pieces.

Corn Maidens, Warrior Women, Bread Makers and Grinding Women stand for the strength and resilience of the women of Zuni and Hopi tribes, her inspiration. She also carves a line of Dancing Bears from antler and turquoise which are filled with joyful energy and exemplify a childlike whimsy.

Claudia is a member of the Parrot Clan and the Child of the Sun Clan and has been carving for 25 years from her home workshop. Born in 1968 at Zuni Pueblo she is the third generation of carvers in her family, and she has enlarged upon her artistic legacy to great success. Her exotic figures that curve ever so slightly to the left or right will have a lasting place in Native American culture and the history of the Zuni people.

We are thrilled to present a new collection of elegant standing fetishes and dancing bears that will bring a smile to your lips. Carved by the highly respected, Claudia Peina, on view now at Chimayo Trading Del Norte in Ranchos de Taos.

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Come to the gallery to see where History Meets Art in Taos..

#1 Saint Francis Church Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

575.758.0504

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Contact us directly to discuss and evaluate your collection. If you’re an artist, contact us about the possibility of selling your art on consignment or direct wholesale purchase.

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