Antler Maiden by Claudia Peina

An antler maiden carved by Claudia Peina with jet slit style inlaid eyes, coral mouth and a squash blossom hair style that suggests this is an unmarried woman. She wears a necklace composed of eight turquoise and four coral hand made claw shaped beads. The maiden wears a sash with seven turquoise dots inlaid between vertical lines and acute angles - that symbolize rain; we have been told. On the top of the maidens matta/dress - are two flowers - one inlaid with seven coral dots above another flower composed of seven turquoise dots. On both sides of the maiden - there are two rows of triangles inlaid with three coral and three pen shell dots. Under the maiden's sash is a new style array of incised lines inlaid with jet surrounding turquoise, coral and pen shell dots. The maiden symbolizes abundance, fertility and feminine energy and the corn maiden is venerated in Zuni for giving up her life for the health of the community. Artist: Claudia Peina (signed) Size: 2 in. wide x 1-1/2 in deep x 7-3/4 in. tall #62684