Corn Grinder Maiden

A burnished antler Corn Grinding Maiden joyfully prepares for the doings. Zunis and other Indigenous societies were farmers growing corn as a sustenance crop. Planted and harvested today, corn is called The Mother because it’s cultivated from Mother Earth. The traditional way corn is used acknowledges it as a gift and blessing from the Creator. Many Pueblo cultures give Corn Dances. The Corn Grinding Maiden's hair is incised in whorls with turquoise accents, etched eyes are filled with jet paste and a red coral inlay represents a voice of wisdom. Tiny turquoise inlaid discs are for a lovely necklace. Hands are hard at work as seen on the corn pieces indicated by the little drilled indentations. Approximately 2 1/2" tall, 7/8" wide and 7/8" deep, by Claudia Peina.