Mon, Nov 23
|Collected Works Bookstore & Coffeehouse
Harold Finkelstein, Releasing the Spirit: The Art of Zuñi Fetish Carving
A Two-Volume Book that Examines A Native American collectible that has a 900-year recorded history.
Date, Time & Location
Nov 23, 2026, 6:00 PM MST
Collected Works Bookstore & Coffeehouse, 202 Galisteo St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
About the Event
Join us in-store or register to watch on Zoom.
Order Releasing the Spirit directly from Collected Works Bookstore by calling the store at (505) 988-4226.
Rooted in centuries of Native American tradition, Zuni fetish carvings have become highly sought-after collectibles, captivating admirers around the world. Created primarily by Zuni artists of west-central New Mexico, these animal figures are more than decorative objects. They reflect spiritual beliefs, artistic expression, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Releasing the Spirit explores the history, artistry, symbolism, and evolution of this distinctive art form, revealing how carvers bring out the spirit they recognize in natural materials. Drawing on twenty years of research, this landmark two-volume work examines carving techniques, influential carving families, celebrated artists, and the tradition of Zuni fetish necklaces.
Featuring more than 1,100 full-color photographs and 450 pages of detailed text, along with timelines, charts, and pronunciation guides, Releasing the Spirit offers an…