White Marble Medicine Bear by Andres Lementino

A pocket size white marble medicine bear with some gray veins and turquoise inlaid eyes, carved by Andres Lementino. Andres' signature double Zuni sun face is inlaid to the bear's left side. The sun face is composed of gaspeite inlaid 'sun rays triangles, with lapis, apple coral, jet and mother-of-pearl shaped bits. The sun face is an ancient symbol in Zuni culture, representing the sacred Sun Father. The symbol's round motif depicts the Sun with a forehead split down the middle to reflect the eternal balance between sunrise and sunset. To the Zuni, the sun face represents prosperity, happiness, peace, hope, optimism, and positive energy. The medicine bear shape is thought to resemble a cave opening - depicting a bear coming out of hibernation and the pose suggests that the bear is sniffing the ground for healing herbs. The Zuni believe the bear is endowed with curative powers, strength, adaptability and courage - powers that can influence both the spiritual and physical realm. Artist: Andres Lementino (signed) Size: 7/16 in. wide x 1-1/4 in. long x 1-1/4 in. tall #64818