Fritz Scholder

Eagle Fetish #4

Fetishes are typically small yet significant carvings of animals made by Pueblo artists in what is now known as the southwest of the United States. Each carries specific meaning. La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians artist Fritz Scholder created his own interpretation of the fetish in Eagle Fetish #4, wrapping the animal in an assortment of found materials like beads, turquoise jewelry, and red textile. While Pueblo-artist made fetishes are sometimes adorned, the use of trade materials by Scholder as decoration subverts typical expectations of the object. In this way, Scholder shapes a new visual language.