Louise Ponchuella: Brown Sandstone, Maiden Rachel Tzunie and iron oxide

and iron oxide

The smooth texture of the alabaster gives the carving a sense of softness and serenity

and grace all at once

which holds great cultural significance in many Indigenous communities as a symbol of sustenance and abundance

reflecting the enduring spirit of Native American culture

Louise Ponchuella: Brown Sandstone, Maiden Rachel Tzunie and iron oxidePon chu ella 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