Mr. Delbert Charging Crow, a full-blooded Oglala Lakota Sioux Native American, carries on the sacred tradition of carving stone animal fetishes. Each piece is more than a carving—it’s a spiritual connection to the Animal Spirits and the wisdom of the Stone People.
Mr. Charging Crow shares how his calling first came through a dream:
One day I dreamed a wonderful dream. Great-Grandma appeared to me. She had a handkerchief tied to a rope with 15 knots. She took them off and showed they were vertebrae shaped like a buffalo, and she told me I needed to carve one. It was a spiritual animal she used for good luck. That day I carved my first buffalo out of alabaster with good intentions.
For him, fetish carvings are living connections:
The Stone People have a lot to teach us if we listen to them and show them respect. If you hold your animal fetish in your hand and think about the changes you need in your surroundings and the ailments you struggle with in your body, mind, and soul, your Animal Spirit Helpers will aid you with these issues.
These sacred objects are hand-carved from stone and are used for spiritual guidance, protection, and connection to animal spirits. Each carving represents more than just the physical form of the animal — it embodies the spirit and medicine that the animal offers.
Lakota carvers don’t simply choose an animal to create. Instead, they tap into the energy of the stone, allowing its natural shape, texture, and vibration to guide them in revealing the animal within. This intuitive process honors both the spirit of the stone and the essence of the animal it becomes. These carvings serve as protectors, teachers, and spiritual companions, connecting us to the strength, wisdom, and guidance carried by the animal spirit.
Working with stones such as Soapstone, Alabaster, Pipestone, and more, Mr. Charging Crow begins by listening to the stone itself. As he explains, the spirit of the animal reveals itself once the first layer of stone is removed using manual tools (never powered tools). During the carving process, the piece is placed in water, where Mr. Charging Crow calls upon the water spirits to bless it. While submerged, the carving is carefully smoothed and polished by hand.
Once the stone is ready, it is set in the Sun to drink in light and release the water it has held. Then, the sacred bundles are added—leather, feathers, beads, and gemstones tied to the back of the animal. Each bundle represents luck, health, and the burdens of its keeper. Inside, he places South Dakota sage, spiritual food for the fetish animal. As feathers are gathered, prayers and sacred plants are offered on behalf of the carving, honoring its spirit.
Through his work, Mr. Charging Crow honors his ancestors, his dreams, and the sacred spirits of the stones—passing forward traditions that hold deep meaning for the Lakota people and for all who are open to their teachings.
Mr. Charging Crow explains the symbolism and significance of different animal spirits.
Boss Mare (Horse)
The leader of the herd. Carries a walking stick tied with medicine bundles symbolizing leadership, prayer, and spiritual protection. A traveling fetish for physical and astral journeys, she offers guidance, courage, and safe passage.
Buffalo or Bison
The Bison is a fierce female protector and symbol of good luck. When storms approach, buffalo face them head-on—they walk through challenges rather than run from them. They are a guide for strength, independence, courage, and fearlessness in pursuing your goals. The Bison carries an arrowhead-shaped marking on its face for added protection and guidance.
Crow
Known as “Old Man Crow.” A trickster and wise communicator. Brings laughter, honesty, and integrity. With its straight beak, Crow teaches us to speak our truth and honor wisdom through our voice.
Eagle
Grandmother spirit in the sky. A guardian of higher vision, wisdom, and divine knowledge. The hooked beak represents strength, insight, and protection from above.
Fox
Spiritually significant and deeply connected to Mr. Charging Crow’s family. Brings light, joy, and uplifting energy into your life.
Hawk
A messenger and healer, often connected to Chief Black Hawk. Protects your path and reveals where to release negativity. The curved beak symbolizes healing and direction.
Mama Bear
Symbol of hibernation, inner strength, and deep healing. A nurturing energy that supports your needs and helps you recover, grow, and transform.
Miss Turning Bear
A powerful ally during life transitions. Helps turn your life around with protection, guidance, and healing energy. A dream manifestor and guardian of change.
Owl
Keeper of wisdom, mystery, and vision in the dark. Owl energy helps you see beyond the darkness, trust your intuition, and navigate through life’s shadows with clarity and truth. A guide for deep inner knowing.
Rabbit
The gentle energy of the rabbit represents fertility, abundance, and hope.
Ram / Big Horn Sheep
Bringer of balance and inner peace. Appears in dreams to restore equilibrium. Symbol of strength, grounded action, and the ability to confront challenges with grace and confidence.
Red Elk
Inspired by a family name, the Red Elk carries love medicine—offering energies of love, self-love, and emotional healing. Embodies strong masculine protection, with antlers said to hold “thumbs and fingers,” symbolizing a personal connection to Spirit.
Snake
A powerful symbol of transformation, renewal, and rebirth. Snake energy teaches you to shed old layers, embrace healing, and step into new cycles of growth. A guardian of life force.
Squirrel
A messenger of preparation and foresight. Teaches us to store energy, knowledge, and resources for future growth. A guide for planning, gathering, and intentional living.
Turtle
Honored as a symbol of grounding, patience, and long life. Turtle energy connects you to Mother Earth, reminding you to move with intention, carry wisdom forward, and trust in divine timing. A steady and protective guide for your journey.
Wolf
The alpha female who is loyal, resilient, and wise. Teaches survival, intuition, and strength. Wolves mate for life, and in the pack, females lead with knowledge and heart.
Mr. Charging Crow offers this prayer when working with a fetish carving. Holding the carving in your hands, take a few deep breaths, quiet your thoughts and open your heart space.
Oh, Great Spirit, the Creator of all Life, Grandmother Earth and Grandfathers of the Four Sacred Winds, give our bodies the strength and the understanding to overcome these negative surroundings. Animal Spirit Guide, take us on a spiritual journey to discover a more positive outlook on life. We pray that we learn how to be honest with ourselves and to walk on the right path leading toward our spiritual healing. Give us more space so that we can bless all life and learn how to respect and forgive our enemies. Make our hearts mindful of all life so that we too can have life. We say this in the name of our Ancestral Spiritual Guides. Mitakuye Oyasin (We are all related).
When you are done with your prayers and intentions, place the fetish next to your bed, making sure it faces you as you sleep. Continue this for the first four nights of an important time of personal reflection, questions, or change. Pay close attention to your dreams or meditations for any messages or thoughts that arise. Even if you're unable to recall your dreams, tune into how you feel or emotions that arise when you first awake.
If you'd like to learn more about fetish carvings or even create your very own, join us for our upcoming Lakota Stone Animal Carving Fetish Workshop with Mr. Charging Crow. This is a one-of-a-kind, unique experience!
