Kwan-de-lacy

The natural iridescence of the shell shimmers with soft hues of white, cream, pink, and subtle greens, giving the carving a gentle, ethereal glow. Small black eyes set into her face add depth and a lifelike presence, drawing attention to her serene expression. On her chest, a single inlaid turquoise dot gleams vividly against the pale shell, serving as a focal point that symbolizes vitality, spirit, or sacred meaning. The combination of the shimmering shell, the striking turquoise, and the contrasting black eyes gives the piece a harmonious balance of elegance, subtlety, and spiritual resonance.

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: 1/2" X Width: 3/4" X Height: 1 3/8" Donated by D. Culpepper