Bear-Corn maiden by Chad Quandelacy
Bear/Corn maiden fetish by Zuni artist Chad Quandelacy, fabulously carved turquoise and inlaid with a wide variety of stones including coral, spiny oyster shell, lapis, mother of pearl, jet and turquoise. Inlaid corn maidens and inlaid jet dragonflies on one side and inlaid stones on the other. It is reversible, so it can be displayed facing either way. Mounted on a black marble base. The detail on this fetish is unique and the choice of stones is quite something for Chad.
The Corn Maiden helps to bring a healthy corn crop (abundance), which is an important source of food to the Zuni. The dragonflies are a symbol of water, which is important for corn to grow. Water is the food of life. The bear is one of the most popular fetishes, it symbolizes strength, power, courage, adaptability, and health. Protector from the west.
Measurements: 2" tall, 1 3/8" wide and 3/4" deep.