About Jeff Shetima
Welcome to Shetima Studio! My name is Jeff Shetima and I'm a proud productive member of the Zuni Pueblo, which is located in the northwest part of New Mexico. Zuni is a place that is spiritually and culturally in harmony with the earth and all living beings. We are considered to be very traditional in culture and heritage, with our own unique language. The Zuni community is well known for our jewelry, fetish carvings, paintings, pottery, and other art. 75% of the Zuni community consists of artists who make a living directly from their art.
I come from a family of jewelry makers and silversmiths. I started creating jewelry and carvings when I was around 11 years old. I was influenced by my parents, grandparents, and our neighbors at that time. I learned carving techniques by observing my neighbors who were carvers, but I’m primarily self-taught. My first carvings were made from my neighbor’s pile of scrap rocks!
For over seven years, I have primarily focused on fetish carving due to the high cost of silver and materials for making fine jewelry. I try my best to carve one-of-a-kind lifelike stone carvings (fetishes), with particular attention to detail on their faces. I also add gemstone micro inlay designs to my carvings; this has become one of the most distinguishing characteristics of my fetish art.
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.
This website was created so that you can learn about me, see the range of art that I create, and observe the transformation process from the raw form to its final finished state. The site also provides you with the opportunity to purchase directly from me or locate retail galleries and shops where my work is for sale.
I make custom jewelry on request. All jewelry requests will be considered as special orders. I also create fetish carvings by request; these are special orders as well. All special orders will require a deposit and may take 3-6 months to complete, although some may take less time.
I offer a 15-day money back guarantee with the seller’s approval.
Elahkwa/Thank you!
I come from a family of jewelry makers and silversmiths. I started creating jewelry and carvings when I was around 11 years old. I was influenced by my parents, grandparents, and our neighbors at that time. I learned carving techniques by observing my neighbors who were carvers, but I’m primarily self-taught. My first carvings were made from my neighbor’s pile of scrap rocks!
For over seven years, I have primarily focused on fetish carving due to the high cost of silver and materials for making fine jewelry. I try my best to carve one-of-a-kind lifelike stone carvings (fetishes), with particular attention to detail on their faces. I also add gemstone micro inlay designs to my carvings; this has become one of the most distinguishing characteristics of my fetish art.
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.
This website was created so that you can learn about me, see the range of art that I create, and observe the transformation process from the raw form to its final finished state. The site also provides you with the opportunity to purchase directly from me or locate retail galleries and shops where my work is for sale.
I make custom jewelry on request. All jewelry requests will be considered as special orders. I also create fetish carvings by request; these are special orders as well. All special orders will require a deposit and may take 3-6 months to complete, although some may take less time.
I offer a 15-day money back guarantee with the seller’s approval.
Elahkwa/Thank you!
