Urban Spirit Gallery Home Page
Urban Spirit Gallery
(Formerly Indians on Columbus)
The Finest Collection of Native American Art and Jewelry in NYC

Carvings & Sculpture
Native American Jewelry & Carving Components
Native American Jewelry & Carving Images
Native American Jewelry & Carving Methods
Kachina by Pernell Laate
Bracelet by Ophelia Garcia
Bowl by Bob Lansing
An American Dollmaker by Lisa Fifield
Vases by Josh Simpson
Pipe by Robert Rosebear
Artist Rafael Aguilera Hernandez
Links
 
Carvings
Left to right:
  • Kokopelli statue by Herbert Him (Zuni), material: Picasso marble
  • Buffalo Spirit pipe by Robert Rosebear (Ojibway), materials: pipestone bowl with carved buffalo and inlaid turquoise bears, sumac stem with beading, fur, feathers, and carved animals
  • Navajo belt (old pawn), materials: silver, turquoise, leather
  • Eagle Spirit by David Greene (Cayuga), material: soapstone.


Eagle Spirit by David Greene. Click for full image

Eagle Spirit
(soapstone)
by
David Greene
Buffalo by Herbert Him. Click for full image

Buffalo
by
Herbert Him
Pipe Bowl by Robert Rosebear. Click for full image

Pipe Bowl
Shaman with Four Bears
(pipestone)
by
Robert Rosebear
White Buffalo Spirit by Robert Rosebear. Click for full image

White Buffalo Spirit
(pipestone)
by
Robert Rosebear
Scolding by Robert Rosebear. Click for full image

Scolding
(pipestone, silver)
by
Robert Rosebear
Playful Otters by Robert Rosebear. Click for full image

Playful Otters
(pipestone, opal)
by
Robert Rosebear

Guarding Life by Robert Rosebear. Click for full image

Guarding Life
(pipestone, Herkimer diamond quartz crystals)
by
Robert Rosebear

Intruder by Robert Rosebear. Click for full image

Intruder
(pipestone, silver, opal)
by
Robert Rosebear
Mother Earth by Robert Rosebear. Click for full image

Mother Earth - My Eyes are Closed
(pipestone)
by
Robert Rosebear
Zuni Fetish Carvings
Today the word fetish has many connotations. Here it means “spiritual amulet”.

In making a fetish carving the artist experiences a connection between himself and the animal. A personal connection with nature and with art is an integral part of the Zuni religion. They believe the elements of nature, including all the animals around us, are sources of spiritual guidance and inspiration. A stone that appears to be in the shape of a bear may hold the energy of "bear spirit". Holding or wearing such a stone brings that energy closer to us.

Traditionally, the artist carves the stone in order to bring out the spirit that already resides there, honoring the nature of the animal. The "heart line" of inlaid stone or silver that sometimes appears from the mouth to the heart/lung area of an animal symbolizes the breath or life energy. A small bundle or arrowhead tied to its back with sinew or beading cord is an offering to that animal. Examine them and you will sense the inner life that makes each miniature sculpture unique. It is as if they speak to us, or come alive in the night.
Indian Arts     Jewelry     Pottery     Paintings     Glass     Carvings     Artists     Links

If you are interested in the pieces on this or any other page, please contact us by email for an appointment