What is an Animal Fetish?

I had always wondered what an animal fetish actual is and what its purpose was. 
I hope the following information can provide some insight for you.

A Fetish is an object which is believed to have magical, protective,
and healing powers. American Indians have used fetishes throughout history;
especially the Indians of the Southwest such as the Zuni.

Regardless of the form or material a fetish is made from,
a Fetish has one paramount purpose; to assist man against any real
or potential problems. The problems can be those of the mind, the body or
the universe.  This is closely related to the healing qualities of gemstones as
believed by those studying the Chakra system.

A Fetish may be made and "decorated" with turquoise, arrowheads, and coral, etc.
as a means of adornment. This adornment is a show of affection and appreciation by
its maker and/or owner. The better treatment a Fetish receives, the better
performance it is likely to provide. Fetishes are also used to make necklaces and
other types of jewelry.  I use most of my fetishes as earrings.

Most Fetishes relate to animals. Most often these animals are animals of prey. They
are acknowledged as the most powerful providers in life; so, they are likewise
accepted as having the greatest Fetish powers. They are generally admired for
their strong hearts. Many believe their strong hearts make them dominant and
therefore, survivors; the hunter rather than the hunted.

The Zuni Indians of New Mexico believe strongly in six cardinal guardian Fetishes.
Each is symbolic of a direction and has a specific color with which it is associated.
The guardian Fetish of the North is the mountain lion (yellow). The South (red) is
the badger, the West (Blue) is the bear and the East (white) is the wolf. Additionally,
the mole is the guardian of the Nadir of Inner Earth (black) and Zepath (the air) is
the eagle (all colored bird forms).

Most Fetishes are made from semi-precious stones, minerals and shells which are of
natural beauty that are the gifts that nature has provided us. Many Fetishes are made
of malachite, azurite, pipe stone, soap stone, marble, jet, sugilite, turquoise, coral,
spiny oyster, amber and several varieties of serpentine.  I use many of these in my
jewelry creations.  Most of the animal fetish beads I use were made in the Philippines.  I do hope you enjoy reading about them below.  As I find more information, I'll be updating the powers of these fetishes.