Vintage Sioux Indian Umbilical Fetish Lizard Figure Bead Beaded Beadwork Leather

Description

Being offered is an old, vintage, Sioux Indian, hand crafted umbilical fetish.  This has excellent beading or beadwork on leather.  The fetish is that of a lizard.  I would estimate this is well over 50 to 60 years old.  You can see the patina of the leather on the bottom portion.  Interestingly, this fetish has had an incision on the bottom, then stitched back together, suggesting something was inserted into this fetish.  Most of the umbilical fetishes I have run across were purely ceremonial, and none ever had an incision on the bottom.  The fetish does feel like something soft is on the inside.  The fetish does have a small section of missing beads shown in the photo.  However, the beadwork next to it is not loose or coming off demonstrating the beadwork is excellent as sections were tied off when doing the beading.  Aside from this the other beadwork and fetish are in good condition.  SH includes insurance.  Approx. 7 3/8" long by 3 7/8" wide at the feet, not including the leather strands.  The main body is 2 1/8" wide not including the feet.
The Cisco Gallery wrote a nice review of what an umbilical fetish represented which stated, "
Fetish amulets were used by Native American peoples from the coast, mountain, desert and plains regions.  Most animal fetishes were umbilical cord containers, while others were talismans worn as personal protection.  The fetishes were usually made by the mother or another female relative using brain-tanned deer or buffalo hide, natural pigments and traditional tribal beading designs.
When the umbilical cord shriveled and fell off a newborn, it was wrapped in sage and placed inside a specially decorated animal, usually a turtle or lizard.  The turtle was used for girls and the lizard for boys.  Two fetishes were made, one with the umbilical cord and one just stuffed with buffalo or horsehair.  It was believed that the matched pair would confuse evil spirits from taking the child’s spirit or trying to control them.
I stand behind all my Native American Indian crafted items to be as represented, and provide a full unconditional refund, including return shipping if the item is not authentic and as described.   My Native Indian arts, crafts, and jewelry are purchased directly from Natives, usually in Arizona, South Dakota, New Mexico, as well as buying from specialty auctions and sales.  In addition, I sell items for Native Americans and from personal collections.  As a result, there is no time limitation on returns, but items returned need to be in their original condition.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions about my items. I stand behind my merchandise and provide a full refund if items are not as described.  Purchase with confidence as I do want customers to be satisfied with their purchase.  Check-out my other items for sale and auction.  Buyer pays a flat shipping rate.  I do combine items to save on shipping costs.   Please let me know ahead of time.
Check out my Ebay shipping terms.  PLEASE NOTE:  Shipping items could take up to 5 business days, or 7 regular days once payment is made due to being an old man with arthritis, back issues, and a host of other medical problems.  I will try my best to get the item out sooner.  Thanks for your business.