Fetishes, Fetish Pots and ceremonial rites

Fetishes Fetishes in Native American culture are the representations of animal (and other) spirits, made into charms and such like to be worn by the person in order to invoke the wisdom and protection of that or those particular spirits.    They are also kept in purpose built pots and other vessels when not called upon directly.

The story of The Three Hunters. Three hunters went to the mountains to obtain food but fell sick on their way. After several days of futile hunting, they got together, sat on the ground and discussed their misfortune. They began to remember what the elders had taught them. Take a ceremonial pot with corn and sacred fetishes within and offer earnest prayers. This ritual has been handed down for generations. Finally on the fourth day they found and killed a fox. Taking the corn form inside of the bowl, they made a stew. Not only were they revived, but their sickness was also cured. Click here for more Fetish necklaces

Turquiose Fettish Pot   This item, and many more like it, are available at The Trading Post, Middle Yard, Camden Lock Market

The Fetish Pot
Native American Indian Lore

The inside of the fetish pot becomes the home of the sacred fetishes. Sometimes medicines are stored there but always there is a corn meal offering to sustain the fetishes. Guards inhabit the outside with a 'peek hole' in moist pots.
The representation of the pot is to appease the spirit of the fetish and keep it happy. This harmony may be transferred to the owner, bringing protection and good fortune form the four directions of mother earth.

Wedding Ceremony
The Traditional Native American Indian Wedding Ceremony

Usually a week or two before they are to be married by a Catholic priest, the future husbands parents make the wedding vase.
When the vase has been made, the husband along with his parents and all his relatives, go to the brides house. The bride brings out everything she will need to establish their new home together: Clothing, utensils, and mattress. Moccasins, corn and any other homemaking essentials, including her white manta wedding dress.

The parents of both the bride and groom give the young couple advice to help them have a happy and successful marriage. The Native American Indian holy water is placed in the wedding vase and the vase is then turned around and given to the bride. She drinks form one side of the vase and turns it around again and gives it to the groom. He then drinks from the opposite side of the vase. This ceremony unites them as one.

The couple will treasure the vase throughout their married life. Should one of them outlive the other, the remaining person gives the vase to a couple known to be living a happy married life. The wedding vase is treasured and protected always. It is never broken or destroyed.