Jeff Shetima 

Jeff Shetima, one of Zuni Pueblo's most collected fetish carvers, comes from a family of jewelry makers and silversmiths. He created jewelry and carvings when he was about 11 years old.  Jeff learned jewelry making from his parents and grandparents. He learned carving techniques by observing his neighbors on Zuni Pueblo who were carvers but is primarily self-taught. The material for his first carvings were made from a neighbor’s pile of scrap rocks. 

During the last decade, he has primarily focused on fetish carving, creating one-of-a-kind lifelike stone carvings, paying particular attention to detail on the faces. He also adds gemstone micro inlay designs to my carvings, which has become one of the most distinguishing characteristics of his fetish art.

Jeff describes his carving as a process of seeking harmony. "Every stone that I hold in my hands must be in harmony with me before I start a carving. Only with good thoughts, energy and feelings will I proceed to carve. This helps ensure that the positive energy will be internalized in the finished carving.”

Awards, Collections & Publications:

2012 - SWAIA 91st Annual Santa Fe Indian Market - Honorable Mention, Second Place ribbon

Featured in a magazine, The Spirit of Zuni, 2005

Work published in Native Peoples magazine & Tucson Guild 

 Permanent collection at the Museum of Man in San Diego CA 

 The Natural Historic Museum in Los Angeles CA