They are associated with sea serpents, whose power is considered greater than the beast gods. Fetish jars serve as homes or receptacles for fetishes when not in use. The top of the jar is for putting in or taking out the fetish. Sometimes leather medicine bags are stored in the jar also. The holes on the sides are used for ceremonially feeding the occupants to show respect and appease the spirit of the fetish.
Food is usually a small pinch of sacred cornmeal or pollen.
The jars are kept on a shelf in the kiva or ceremonial room at shoulder height. Many different types of fetish jars exist. The hunting jar is the most common. Others are initiation jars, red ant medicine jars, witchcraft punishment jars, weather and snake bite jars, war medicine jars, gambling fetish jars, fire making jars, betting fetish jars, and scalp jars, to name a few. When the last person dies who knows the prayers and ceremonies associated with the fetish, the jar is buried or sold.