F466 Antler Badger
Antler badger fetish by Zuni fetish carver Karen Zuni. The 1 3/4”’ x 5/8” x 3/4” badger has turquoise eyes.
The Badger represents passion and persistence. He will not give up until he has reached a desired goal. Living close to the ground, he has great knowledge of the earth.
About the artist
Karen Zunie
Karen Zuni comes from a family of Zuni fetish carvers: mother (Verna Zunie), ex-husband (Lance Cheama), brother-in-law (Wilfred Cheama), and nephew (Cody Cheama). Her detailed carvings are a favorite of fetish collectors.
Karen Zunie began carving years ago when she was married to Lance Cheama in the late 1980’s. She started by polishing his completed carvings. For the next decade or more, Karen was as prolific a carver as Lance. They had one child together. But the marriage did not last and the couple broke up in the early 2000s. Now her fetishes are becoming harder and harder to find.
Although Karen Zuni fetishes are similar to Lance’s, Karen’s carvings have a wonderful quality all their own. When Karen Zunie is at her best, her ability to carve very small fetishes is among the best in the Zuni Pueblo.
