Bear fetish

I have this little bear fetish - about 2 inches tall, signed - looking at prices in some of the usual places and it seems it has relatively little value…$50’ish. Is that really what they go for?




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@Khmetalwork This is jet & turquoise, right? IMO, this little bear fetish has a lot going for it. If you can find out the name of the carver (FM) that could possibly add to the fetish’s monetary value.

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I agree with @patina that you need to research the artist. Fetishes can be much more than $50.00 but it depends on the origin. You may find some information online in the NA hallmark sites. There are also books and I know there is a group on Facebook that is dedicated to Zuni fetishes. The knowledgeable people on there may be able to help and if it’s not Zuni they can also probably let you know if it’s Navajo or Mexican.

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Found the maker - Felissa Martin, Zuni artist. It seems $50 is the right price…such a shame that the work counts for nothing. I’d bet the arrowhead on the back would cost nearly $50 as a cabochon here in San Diego. Plus, the other pieces of turquoise and the chunk of jet…materials cost more than the finished product. :woman_shrugging:

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Jet is a high dollar stone.
It is a shame that the value is less than the cost for time to make it.

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I agree that it’s value should be higher. If it was mine I would keep it and enjoy the beauty! I love all of the little details. :hugs:

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