Lon-jose

A maiden carved from a smooth cowry shell stands gracefully atop a base shaped like a blooming flower, carved from lustrous pink mussel shell. Her face is delicately inlaid with mother-of-pearl, shimmering with soft iridescent hues of white, cream, and subtle pink, capturing a gentle, serene expression. Small black eyes set into the mother-of-pearl add depth and life, giving the maiden a quietly watchful presence. The pink mussel shell base, intricately carved into petals, provides both stability and a sense of organic beauty, complementing the maiden’s form. The combination of the cowry shell, shimmering mother-of-pearl, and warm pink mussel creates a harmonious, ethereal piece that exudes elegance, delicacy, and the natural beauty of the sea.

Corn Maiden (A:dow e:washdok'i): In the Zuni Pueblo the three stages of woman are recognized as:

• Maiden, symbolizing potential
• Mother, the life giver
• Grandmother, the wise elder

Usually the maiden fetish will be emerging from corn (the corn maiden) or she will have whorls of hair on the side of her head, signifying that she has not had a child. The mother fetish also can be emerging from the corn (the corn mother) and she will have children with her or look pregnant. The grandmother usually has a shawl over her head and no corn represented on her body.

Dimensions: Length: 1 5/8" X Width: 1 1/4" X Height: 1 3/4" Purchased