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View 1, proper right/front. Photograph by Jennifer Day. Copyright 2015 School for Advanced Research.

Carving, Corn Maiden

View 1, proper right/front.
Photograph by Jennifer Day. Copyright 2015 School for Advanced Research.

Carving, Corn Maiden

Date: c. 2010
Artist or Maker: Claudia Peina
Dimensions:
Dimensions: 7.7 × 3 × 2 cm (3 1/16 × 1 3/16 × 13/16 in.)
Weight: 14.74 g (0.52 oz.)
Medium: antler, deer | stone, tuquoise | coral | jet
Credit Line: Anonymous gift, 2013.
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: SAR.2016-1-70
Not on view
DescriptionA Corn Maiden figure carrying a water jar on her head. Her head is turned so that she is looking to her right. The figure is carved from deer antler, with raised inlay dots of coral, turquoise, and jet distributed over her body. The black lines for her eyes and accents on her clothing and the water jar are made from powdered jet mixed with glue.
Tribal Collection Review RemarksJim Enote and Octavius Seowtewa during collection review visit May 29 and 30, 2014 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 14”): The materials used in this carving are deer antler (figure), coral (mouth and several other dots), turquoise (necklace and several other dots), and jet/glue mixture (eyes and accents on clothing).The dots on the figure are done with the raised inlay technique. The jar on the figure’s head has a line break in the line under the rim and the one above the base. The necklace on the figure represents a squash blossom necklace.

Though small carvings such as this, usually depicting an animal, are frequently referred to as “fetishes,” it is important to note that they are not true fetishes. True fetishes are made and used specifically for spiritual or ceremonial purposes and uses. This type of item, however, is made specifically for sale. It is more appropriate to refer to commercially-made figures of this type as “carvings.”
In Collection(s)
The Indian Arts Research Center, in collaboration with Native American community scholars, strives to present accurate collections records. Records may be updated as new information becomes available and is reviewed with the Native American community having cultural affinity to particular items. Please write to iarc@sarsf.org if you have questions or concerns related to the documentation.