Heartlines
No one knows for sure the
meaning of the heartline. Heartlines rarely appeared in the earliest
carvings, but when they did, they went from the mouth to the backside and
were thought to serve as a reminder of the biological functions once
performed by the animal whose spirit was captured within the stone figure. A
more contemporary meaning is the heartline as a symbol of long life. The
heartline may represent the lightning arrows from the story of the Warrior
Twins. It may represent the path which connects the breath of the fetish
animal to the living heart within. The heartline may represent the power of
healing as it resembles the snake and lightning, two extremely powerful
forces in mythology. Many carvers say they include a heartline because that
is the way they learned from their father.
Medicine Bundles
A medicine
bundle may be seen tied to the back of a carving. It may be as simple as an
arrowhead fastened to the back, side or belly of a carving or as elaborate
as a bundle consisting of arrowheads, stones, shells and feathers. Once
tied with sinew, the bundles are now usually tied with beading string.
Believers think the offerings are added to increase the power of the fetish
or to express gratitude for blessings received or anticipated. To
non-believers, they are just ornamental.
The
objects included in the bundle, and their placement, have special meaning.
The arrowhead invokes the power of the bow and arrow. It resembles
lightning, therefore has power to protect the bearer. If the bundle is
secured to the animal's belly it helps the bearer to hide their tracks and
avoid pursuit. Tied to the back, it protects the bearer from unexpected
attack. Arrowheads are generally made from shell.
The
stones have meaning as well. Coral or red stones signify the heart of the
fetish. Blue stones and turquoise recall the sky and water. Colors may
also represent the cardinal directions – North (yellow), East (white), South
(red), West (blue), Sky (speckled), and Underground (black). Zunis rarely
attach feathers to carvings made for trade because feathers represent very
powerful messages in Zuni religion.
