Maidens & Standing Beings

These two Corn Maiden sisters are back to back, ensuring safety for all three of them.  One of the maidens has an olla (pot) filled with turquoise on her head.  Her eyes are inlaid jet and her mouth is inlaid coral.  She has a ring of inlaid lapis on her chest.  Corn kernels are engraved on her body, and on each side of her body are stars inlaid with lapis, coral, and a purple stone.  At her feet is a maiden baby wearing a tablita on her head and a ring of coral on her chest.  Her eyes and mouth are inlaid jet.  The other Corn Maiden is also wearing a tablita and has jet eyes and a coral mouth.  She has turquoise inlaid on her chest and turquoise, coral, and a purple stone inlaid into engraved corn kernels.

Size: 3.75" H x 1.25" L x 1" 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, Carl Etsate, carved this serene Corn Maiden with a detailed tablita (head piece) from antler.  The curve of her body and her round mouth make it seem like she is singing and swaying.  He inlaid jet and turquoise eyes, and a jet dot mouth.  There are five inlaid red turquoise dots around her collar area.  The body is detailed corn kernels and hatch lines, with inlaid turquoise, jet, and red coral.  Her detailed hair goes all the way down her back. 

Size: 3.75" H x 1.5" Diameter

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.

These Corn Maiden sisters were carved by Carl Etsate from shell.  One maiden has a jet face with turquoise eyes and a coral mouth, and the other maiden has a turquoise face with jet mouth and eyes.  The shell is delicately carved with corn kernels and geographic designs.  Turquoise, coral, lapis, and jet dots are inlaid all around.

Size: 2.25" H x 1.5 diameter

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.

Daniel Chattin carved this graceful Corn Maiden from borwn lip Mother of Pearl.  She is wearing turquoise at her neck, and her hair, corn kernels, and shawl are detailed.  She also has intricate geometric designs on the back.  The loop is sterling silver.

Size: 2.875" H x .875" 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.

Isn't she lovely?  Daniel Chattin carved her from abalone with shimmering shades of purple with bits of blue and green.  She has red coral at her neck, and beautifully detailed hair and corn kernels.  There is also a double diamond etched onto the back.  The loop is sterling silver.

Size: 2.5" H (includes loop) x 1.125" 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, Carl Etsate, carefully carved this petite shell Corn Maiden.  Her eyes are inlaid jet and her mouth is inlaid turquoise.  Her body has delicately engraved corn kernels, some of which are inlaid with dots of turquoise, lapis, and coral.  She also has inlaid coral dots under her neck.  More about corn maidens below.

Size: 1.125" H x .75" Diamenter

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.  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.

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.

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 has a sterling silver lop at the top of the head so she can be worn.  More about corn maidens belowl

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.

Daniel Chattin created this Corn Maiden from a brown abalone shell.  Her hair, face, corn kernels, and geometric designs are all engraved.  She has a red coral at her neck, and red coral and turquoise on the right side.  More about Corn Maidens below.

Size: 2.875" H 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.

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.

These exquisite Corn Maiden sisters were made by Vickie Quandelacy from gold lip Mother of Pearl.  They both have corn kernels carved on the front with inlaid dots of turquoise, red coral, and jet.  There is a graceful dragonfly and star etched on the front of one of the sisters.  One of them is holding a jet fan with a turquoise dot.

Size: 3.25" H x 1.375" 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.

These exquisite Corn Maiden sisters were made by Vickie Quandelacy from gold lip Mother of Pearl.  They both have corn kernels carved on the front with inlaid dots of turquoise, red coral, and jet.  There is one graceful dragonfly etched on the side and 3 stars.  One of them is holding a jet fan with a turquoise dot.

Size: 2.5" H x 1.5" 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.

Vickie Quandelacy created these tall corn maiden sisters on a conch shell and there is so much to see!  Starting with the left side of the opening of the shell there are two carved turquoise and one apple coral corns that are nestled inside etched corn leaves.  Just inside the shell is a dragonfly and a star.  The maiden on the right side of the opening has an engraved feather on her head and an inlaid jet and mouth, and inlaid elements of turquoise, coral, and jet.

Moving to the right around the shell, there are dragonflies and stars that continue to the opening.  The next maiden has a gold lip Mother of Pearl face, inlaid jet eyes and mouth, and elements of turquoise and coral inlaid on the front.  Her sister next to her also has jet inlaid eyes and mouth, with apple coral, turquoise, and jet on her body.

The shell is signed on the bottom.

Size: 5" H x 4.25" Diameter

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.

Kevin Quam carved this elegant Corn Maiden from shell.  Her face is turquoise with etched eyes and mouth. She has crushed coral around her neck.  Corn kernels are etched on the front as well as other designs.  She has two turquoise dragonflies underneath her body.  The edge of the shell is cut into steps.  She feels very, very good in the hand.

Size: 4" H x approximately 3" diameter

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.

Jon Quam carved this strong and simple corn maiden from antler.  She has spiny oyster feathers on one side of her face and detailed eyes and mouth.  Her long body is engraved corn kernels and her hair goes halfway down her back.  She stands on azurite which is attached to an unknown rock.

Size: 4" H x 1.75" L x 1.75" 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.

Vickie Quandelacy carved this graceful corn maiden from shell.  She has so many details including an engraved feather and bangs on her head, detailed shawl, an olla (pot) on the left with crushed turquoise, and carved turquoise feathers with two turquoise dots.  There is an engraved dragonfly on her showl and coral, turquoise, gold lip mother of pearl and jet dots along the bottom of her shawl.  The back of the shell has six engraved stars and two more dragonflies.  She is on a white base flecked with color and with crushed turquoise on the bottom.

Size: 3.375" H x 3.5" L x 1.125" 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 tall spirit being carved by Jon Quam was carved from an antler and has an olla (pot) with crushed azurite on top.  A bit of the crushed azurite has rubbed off.  There is a azurite chip under the olla.  The face is is azurite and has inlaid jet eyes.  The body has geomentric designs engraved on it.  It stands on jet steps with crushed azurite around the feet.

Size: 5" H x 1.5" L x .875" W

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.

Zuni carver, Carl Etsate, carved this graceful corn maiden with a detailed tablita (head piece) from antler.  The curve of her body and her round mouth make it seem like she is singing and swaying.  He inlaid jet eyes, and a red coral dot mouth.  There are five inlaid turquoise dots around her collar area.  The body is detailed corn kernels and hatch lines, with inlaid turquoise, jet, and red coral.  Her detailed hair goes all the way down her back. 

Size: 3.25" H x .75"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.

Zuni carver, Carl Etsate, carved this graceful corn maiden with a detailed tablita (head piece) from antler.  The curve of her body and her round mouth make it seem like she is singing and swaying.  He inlaid jet and turquoise eyes, and a jet dot mouth.  There are five inlaid red coral dots around her collar area.  The body is detailed corn kernels and hatch lines, with inlaid turquoise, jet, and red coral.  Her detailed hair goes all the way down her back. 

Size: 2.875" H x .5" Diameter

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!

This tall and elegant antler Corn Maiden was carved many years ago by Claudia Peina.  She is wearing a tablita with inlaid jet and turquoise on each side.  The face has inlaid turquoise eyes with a natural red coral mouth.  It has a total of twenty-seven natural red coral inlaid dots, a total of eighty-six turquoise dots, and thirty-four inlaid jet dots (if our count was correct and we counted twice).  She was well loved for many years in the personal collection of the owner of Gathering Tribes.  More about Corn Maidens below.

Size: 8.25" H x 4.5" W due to the curve.

Corn Maidens represent everything good about being a woman: strong, kind, compassionate, nurturing, and powerful.  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.  Corn maidens come with a card detailing the meaning, the carver, and the material they are carved from.

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.