Indian Craft Shop - Press Release

The Indian Craft Shop Presents
Fetishes & Carvings of the Zuni Pueblo

September 12 - 23, 2005

Presentation & Book Signing, Sept 16 & 17, 12-3 p.m.: Kent McManis
Carving Demonstration, Sept 16 & 17 1-3 p.m.: Lena & Evalena Boone

(Washington D.C. - August 11, 2005) The Indian Craft Shop is presenting a Zuni Fetish Show, September 12 – 23. Fetishes have long been an integral part of the traditional religious practices of many American Indian groups. Believing that the power of the fetish comes from the spirit of the animal residing in the stone, fetishes have been used for different purposes, e.g. to aid with hunting, healing, fertility and protection. The creation of fetishes, or carved animals, has evolved into an exciting art form, ranging from abstract representations to highly detailed sculptural works. Today the Zuni Pueblo has become world famous for these delightful carvings of animals and figures in stone, shell, bone and other materials, fascinating to people of all ages.

On September 16 and 17, Kent McManis will also provide a one-hour presentation at the Interior Museum on fetishes of the Zuni Pueblo, the topic of three books he has authored: A Bridge from Past to Present: Zuni Fetish Carvers of the 1970s, Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, 2005; Zuni Fetishes and Carvings, Rio Nuevo, 2004; and Zuni Fetish Carvers, The Mid-Century Masters, Kyaykhol A:shiwi Wema:W’asha: A:Wanikwa’Kowa, Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, 2003.

See the fascinating stages of fetish carving as special guest artists Lena and Evalena Boone provide a fetish carving demonstration. Lena and Evalena are both prolific carvers who carve in a traditional style and are known for using a very wide variety of stones and materials. For additional information, call (202) 208-4056, email IndianCraftShop@GuestServices.com.

The Indian Craft Shop, managed by Guest Services, Inc., represents authentic American Indian arts and crafts from over 50 tribal areas within the United States. The Shop has been inside the U.S. Department of the Interior since 1938 and is under historic preservation. For additional information, call (202) 208-4056

A photo ID is needed for access to the building. The public entrance to the U.S. Department of the Interior is at 18th & C Streets, NW. Handicap Access is available at 18th & E Streets. The Shop is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the third Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The Interior Museum across the hall from the Shop is also open to the public. For information about the Interior Museum exhibits, programs and mural tours, contact (202) 208-4743.