Zuni Fetish by Faye Quandelacy, Ammonite Fossil Corn Maiden w/Red Coral & Turq.

Description

Since 1982, Bryans Gallery has represented exceptional artistry of the Southwest and the Eight Northern Pueblos. We have estate and contemporary
jewelry,
paintings, sculpture, pottery, Zuni fetishes, rugs and baskets. Some of the finest rare examples of Southwestern American Indian arts and craft can be found in our gallery, a brick and mortar building in Taos, New Mexico. Our staff is knowledgeable and friendly. We are known for our customer satisfaction.
Zuni fetish by
master carver
Faye Quandelac
y, ammonite
fossil
corn maiden, double-sided,
adorned with turquoise and red coral
, from a collector's estate (collected from late 1980s to early 2000s).
Approx: 3 7/8" x 2 1/4" x 1/2".
Corn Maidens, sometimes called the Grandmother of Light or Grandmother of the Sun, represent supernatural beings that gave the gift of corn to the Zuni people. According to Zuni mythology, the Corn Maidens emerged from the Middle World at the same time as the Zuni people. Legends vary at this point, but one story tells of insults and harassment that caused the Corn Maidens to leave the people, taking the village corn. With the Zuni people on the brink of starvation, Paytuma went into the Summer Lands with his painted flute, seeking the Corn Maidens. He found them and greeted them with the music of his song.  As the Maidens greeted him, with a touch of his hand and the breath of his flute, he persuaded the Maidens to follow him back to their deserted people.