Dark Mother-of-Pearl Eagle Protecting the Maiden by Gloria Chattin

A striking iridescent dark mother-of-pearl eagle with coral inlaid eyes carved by Gloria Chattin protecting a corn maiden with jet features - incised on the creamy white side. The pair reside on opposite sides with the eagle's face carved in the round on one edge. We love how painstakingly Gloria incised the feathers on the iridescent dark side and the corn rows on the creamy white side. The eagle's face appears in profile at one end of the carving. The corn maiden has five dots inlaid running down the center - utilizing small hand made dots of spiny oyster, lapis, apple coral and turquoise, There are incised lines added around the corn maiden suggesting the maiden's robe with two corn rows and three incised dragonflies inlaid with jet pigment. The duo are inlaid to an alabaster base for added stability with apple coral chips glued all around the juncture. This carving depicts in shell the Zuni migration story that says that the tribe was saved from a flood by benevolent spirit animals. Maidens symbolize 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: Gloria Chattin (signed) Size: 1/2 in. wide x 3-1/4 in. long x 3-7/8 in. tall, Base:1-1/4 in. wide x 3/16 in. tall #64364