:: Corn Maiden :: 

A shimmering Corn Maiden has been hand carved by Zuni artist Kateri Sanchez out of a solid piece of Mother of Pearl. This Maiden is unique as she is carved on both sides, and features intricate detailing from the tiny handmade Coral cabochons to the inlaid crushed Jet stars on her shawl. She has a lovely moonlight glow and her faces have been inlaid and carved from Mother of Pearl. On both sides of her throat are tiny handmade Coral cabochons, and her traditional shawl is detailed with fringe on both sides that drapes gracefully.

Mother of Pearl brings the gentle healing power of the ocean, known for being a relaxing, soothing and calming crystal to the emotions. Size is 59mm in height by 38mm at her widest point, and she is 10mm thick.

Corn is the crown of the Earth Mother, and is an important staple food for some Native Indigenous tribes. Symbolically corn represents abundance, nurturance and fertile growth. Bearing the colors of the four directions, yellow, blue/black, red and white it is a plant that is revered for the sacred nourishment that it brings. Corn Maidens are welcomed and displayed inside the home to show respect to the Earth Mother for the many gifts and blessings that she bestows. 

"There's a story about how the six corn maiden sisters saved the Zuni people from famine long ago by feeding them the kernels of their body during a time of drought. They were taken for granted and left the Zuni village and when the people realized they'd gone it was too late. So they sought them out and begged them to return, but they agreed only on the condition that they not be taken for granted again. So we use corn in many aspects of our culture. When a baby is born, he or she is given a perfect ear of corn that's been blessed and is kept with the baby for protection. We grind corn into cornmeal that we use as offerings in prayers and ceremonies. These are just a few examples but because corn is so important to the Zuni people, the corn maiden reflects these things for me. They also represent abundance, fertility, and growth."

- Kateri Sanchez