Pair of Hand Carved Zuni Maiden Fetish Figures

Introduction: Here are two endearing Zuni maiden fetish figures, each hand made by a different Zuni artist but sold together as a set. One is hand carved of of white antler and the other is hand carved of black marble for a striking contrast. Tying the pair together is their multi-stone inlay beads including turquoise and coral.

The white antler fetish figure is an olla corn maiden. Notice the large jar on her head filled with chips of turquoise that represent water. Olla maidens are important dancers appearing at New Mexico Pueblo ceremonies with large water-filled ollas balanced on top of their heads. The water, of course, represents rain, the sky's gift to nourish and grow the corn crop. This olla maiden has a small carving on her back of a raincloud to further emphasize the importance of water.

The larger dark stone fetish figure is a tablita corn maiden named for the tablita or ceremonial headdress she wears. She will also dance in New Mexico Pueblo ceremonies. Even though she's dark in color, she's inlaid with vibrant multi-colored beads of green blue turquoise, red and pink coral, royal blue lapis, green malachite and purple sugilite. She's decorated with etched stars and a big dragonfly on her back signifying the water needed to grow the corn. 

Significance: Since corn is life for most Native people and corn maiden is female, the corn maiden fetish figure represents fertility and feminine energy. She also signifies loving care as Zuni women are the ones who tend to the venerated corn plants as well as the children and family.

How wonderful it is to have this beautiful corn maiden set reminding women of their critical importance in a world that can often seem unwilling to extend appreciation.