Maidens & Standing Beings

Gabe Sice made this graceful corn maiden from antler.  She is wearing a tablita which is worn during ceremony.  She has inlaid coral on her face and neck, and jet eyes.  Her hair and corn kernels are beautiful detailed.  She has a sterling silver lop at the top of the head so she can be worn.  More about corn maidens below.

Size: 2.5" L x .5" w

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

The tallest sisters are back to back with three younger sisters surrounding them.  Each one sees the world around them and collectively they have a 360 degree view.  Terrance Martza carved them from antler.  The sisters have inlaid jet eyes and red coral mouths.  They all have tiny silver flowers and turquoise below their necks, and turquoise and coral are inlaid into engraved stars on their bodies.  The taller sisters are wearing tablitas (head pieces).  There are so many details to be admired on them!  There is a total of thirty-five turquoise stones and twenty red coral dots set into the bodies.    Signed "TJM" on the bottom. 

Size: 9.75" H x 1.25" L x 1.5" W

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, and strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

Crushed turquoise sits on the top of the intricately carved olla (pot) on the top of their heads.  Terrance Martza carved it from antler.  The sisters and their children have inlaid jet eyes and red coral mouths.  They all have tiny silver flowers and turquoise below their necks, and turquoise and coral are inlaid into engraved stars on their bodies.  There is so many details to be admired them!  There is a total of thirty-nine turquoise stones and eighteen coral dots set into the bodies.  One of the tiny silver flowers is missing and Michael Horse made something very similar to replace it.  It is barely noticeable.  Signed "TJM" on the bottom.  They feel very good to hold.

Size: 8" H x 3" L x 1.5" W

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, and strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

She embodies grace and wisdom which underly her compassion.  She was carved by Stafford Chimoni from antler and stands on crushed turquoise on a Picasso marble base.  Her long eyes are inlaid jet and her mouth is inlaid coral.  She wears thirteen turquoise stones on her chest, with two salmon coral inlaid in the center, along with two turquoise earrings.  The fifteen corn kernels are three-dimensional and each one has a turquoise inlaid in the center.  Her shawl is engraved with geometric designs on each side and the bottom, with a total of twenty-four inlaid turquoise. Her tablita (head piece) is detailed with a turquoise at the bottom as well as the back.  Her long eyes are inlaid jet and her mouth is inlaid coral.

Size: 6" H x 2.25" L x 1.75" W

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, and strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

A Corn Maiden sister is carved on the front and back of this delightful carving.  Vickie Quandelacy carved them from a turquoise nugget and they stand on a white base.  Each sister has a sweetly detailed face.  One sister is holding fan with two feathers and a coral dot.  The other sister has a body with corn kernels and three red coral dots with a lapis and jet dot below the center coral.  "VQ" is engraved on the bottom.

Size: 1.25" H x 1.125" L x .675" W

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, and strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

Danette Laate carved this serene Butterfly Maiden from jasper.  Her face has inlaid turquoise eyes and a jet mouth.  Her body and wings have inlaid dots of turquoise, coral, and jet.  Her wings and body are detailed.  The jasper has a streak of a translucent mineral, perhaps calcite or quartz, that runs on a diagonal from the top of the wings to above her eyes.  More about Butterfly Maidens below.

Size: 2.75" H x 2.675" L x .375" W

The butterfly maiden is associated with young women in spring time.  In some traditions the butterfly is associated with transformation, the process of becoming, and beauty.

Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This fearless Warrior Maiden was carved by Claudia Peina.  She holds a sterling silver shield and spear.  Half of her hair is in the traditional bun that Pueblo maidens wore and the other half is the long hair of warriors.  She has an inlaid red coral mouth and turquoise, jet, and red coral dots inlaid within the geometric designs on her clothing.  A turquoise dot is on the side of her moccasins.  She is tiny and mighty!

Size: 2.125" H x .675" W x .5" W

In Zuni and other Pueblos there are stories about a time when the people were being attacked.  When the battle was not going well for the people a A young woman picked up a shield and spear and joined the battle.  She was powerful and successful in battle and helped protect her people.  She is known by the traditional bun that young Pueblo women wear and the long hair of a warrior.  She is remembered through the ages for her courage, fearlessness, and bravery.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This fearless Warrior Maiden was carved by Claudia Peina.  She holds a sterling silver shield and spear.  Half of her hair is in the traditional bun that Pueblo maidens wore and the other half is the long hair of warriors.  She has an inlaid red coral mouth and turquoise, jet, and red coral dots inlaid within the geometric designs on her clothing.  A turquoise dot is on the side of her moccasins.  She is tiny and mighty!

Size: 2.125" H x .675" W x .5" W

In Zuni and other Pueblos there are stories about a time when the people were being attacked.  When the battle was not going well for the people a A young woman picked up a shield and spear and joined the battle.  She was powerful and successful in battle and helped protect her people.  She is known by the traditional bun that young Pueblo women wear and the long hair of a warrior.  She is remembered through the ages for her courage, fearlessness, and bravery.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This graceful Corn Maiden from Zuni Pueblo is made from antler.  She has inlaid turquoise eyes and mouth, bangs, and detailed tablita on her head.  She wears turquoise around her neck.  Her body is detailed corn kernels and she is wearing a shawl that goes down to her feet. The shawl has inlaid turquoise dots in geometric designs on the borders in front.  She feels so good in the hand!  Signed "AL" on the bottom.

Size: 5" H x 1" L x .75" W

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

Davey Cooeyate carved these two Corn Maiden sisters and a baby from antler.  So many lovely details!  The faces have inlaid turquoise eyes and mouths, the bodies are engraved corn kernels, and there are inlaid dots of turquoise, blue and purple stones in geometric engravings.  The two sisters are wearing small tablitas on their heads.  More about Corn Maidens below.

Size: 4.75" H x 3.25" L x 1.375" W

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

Zuni carver, Daniel Chattin, carved these two corn maiden sisters from pink mussel shell, one on the front and one on the back.  They stand on crushed turquoise on top of a sandstone base.  There are so many lovely details!  On one side, the details include sky blue turquoise at her neck, detailed corn body, four dragonflies, and geometric shapes on her shawl.  On the other side , the details include a natural red coral at her neck and a sky blue turquoise under the engraved corn body, two dragonflies, and geometric designs on her shawl.  "DC" is engraved on the bottom.  More about corn maidens below.

Size: 5" H x 4" L x 2.25" W

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

Corn Maiden sisters can represent the relationships we have with our sisters, both biological and chosen.  When given as gifts, they can represent that the giver will always have her sister’s loyalty, trust, and support.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

Gabe Sice made this graceful corn maiden from antler.  She hs the two traditional buns on each side of her head.  There is inlaid turquoise and coral on her face and neck.  One maiden has all red coral inlaid on her face and neck.  Her hair and corn kernels are beautiful detailed.  She has a sterling silver lop at the top of the head so she can be worn.  More about corn maidens below.

Size: 2.5" L x .5" w

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

Gabe Sice made this graceful corn maiden from antler.  There is inlaid turquoise, coral, and turquoise on her face and neck.  Her hair and corn kernels are beautiful detailed.  She is wearing a tablita, a head piece worn in ceremony.  She has a sterling silver loop at the top of the head so she can be worn.  More about corn maidens below.

Size: 2.25" L x .5" w

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

Sandra Quandelacy carved this tall and lovely corn maiden from green turquoise.  Her hair is beautifully detailed with a bun in the back.  Her eyes and mouth are inlaid jet.  She has a turquoise dot and a coral dot at her neck.  Her shawl has three dragonflies etched into it, and her front is also detailed.

Size: 2.25" H x 1.675" L x .5" W

Female corn beings represent all that is good about being a woman: loving, generous, nurturing, kind, strong with great compassion.  In tribes that traditionally grow corn, most of the stories are the similar.  There are many Indigenous stories about how corn was brought to the people at a time when there was hunger, and how a sacred, sometimes other worldly, female being brought them corn.  In Zuni Pueblo, there are three ages of female corn beings: the maiden who wears her hair in the traditional buns on each side, the mother who has one or more babies, and the elder grandmother who wears her shawl over her head. There are dances to honor the female corn beings in many of the Pueblos.  And in other tribes, she is held in a place of great honor.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This Keeper of the Corn was carved by Elton Kaamasee from antler.  He stands with feathers on top of his long hair and wears a shawl wrapped around himself.  One hand peeks out of the shawl holding an ear of corn with inlaid turquoise kernels.  He stand on a base carved with corn inlaid with turquoise and long corn leaves.

Size: 4.75" H x 1.5" L x .75" W

Corn is indigenous to the Americas and has been a staple of Indigenous people for thousands of years.  There are over 2,000 varieties of corn in the Americas, and many ceremonies involving corn.  Zuni Pueblo is also noted for the beautiful corn maidens carved there.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

This sterling silver overlay Butterfly Maiden was made by Hopi jeweler, Frank Lahaleon.  She is so beautiful!  She has a feather tied into her hair, face paint, and is holding a bow with two ears of corn.  Her dress has traditional designs and she is wearing mocassins with leg wraps.  Her butterfly wings have traditional designs which include water, lightening, mountains, snow, and whirlwinds.  It has a 1.25" pin on the back, as well as a loop for a chain.  More about the overlay technique below.

Size: 3" H x 1.5" W

Hopi Overlay  Overlay jewelry is made by sawing out two sheets of sterling silver or gold the same size.  Hopi jewelers texture the bottom sheet with hatch marks.  It is then oxidized to turn it black.  The design is drawn on to the top sheet of silver which is then carefully sawed out with a fine jeweler's saw. The edges are filed smooth.  The top piece is soldered on to the bottom piece.  Sometimes, there are many small pieces that are also soldered on to the bottom sheet of silver.  It is then polished to a high sheen.  Overlay is very labor intensive!