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...