Mountain Lions
The reclusiveness and stealth of this large cat establish it in Zuni mythos as a totem of independence, agility, strength, and choose-to-follow-me-or-not leadership. As guardian of the northern direction, the mountain lion offers protection from northerly threats such as winter. This lithe predator is often carved in yellow or golden stones such as dolomite or calcite, and in keeping with the style of the earliest, more primitive mountain lion carvings, Zuni artistic convention is to carve the mountain lion's tail up over it's back. The mountain lion enjoys the prestige of being one of the most capable predators, and therefore conveys to man a spirit to refine goals, preserve, and achieve.
