ABOUT THE PUEBLO CORN MAIDEN:
Corn is one of the most sacred plants known to Native American cultures on both continents, North and South America, where this staple has been a main food source for the native communities since time unknown.The tale of the Corn Maiden, and the importance of both the figure and all she represents in Pueblo Native American culture,these Maidens play a special role, symbolizing the prayers of the people for a bountiful harvest. They personify the bounty of life giving corn that grows in six different colors & in Pueblo tradition, it was long ago that the Corn-Maidens saved he people from famine and drought by nourishing them with sacred corn kernels from their bodies. You will always know the Corn "Maiden" by having whorls of hair on the side of her head, signifying that she has not had a child.(As in these beautifully made earrings) She is a young unmarried woman who will be without child.
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THE EARRINGS:
Art comes in all forms & much more than with just paints & brushes.. But to Kewa Pueblo Artist "Warren Nieto", art comes in a lapidary form where he will cut stones & shells of different colors & different textures in order to "Paint" his subject..

These wearable art Corn maiden earrings are just that.. A "Painting", showing the young woman as she stands in her body of corn that's made with mosaic inlaid cuts of purple Sugilite,her Manta (maiden's Shawl)wrap that's made of Italian red Coral & white Shell to cover & give warmth to her corn body...Her face is white shell,her features elegantly drawn..Left to the imagination of just how long her hair really is, is by the size of her large whorls .Wearing beads of turquoise around her neck because to the Pueblo people, can be likened to a prayer for rain.(Corn can grow) He made these for me to have her turquoise earrings "move" & not just mosaic inlaid into her. They are in there by way of string where they are tied off from the backside!(See photo 9) All the materials are mosaic inlaid atop of the Pen shell

Because of the generous amount of materials,these do have a little weight, but for someone like me who likes her earrings on the more 'noticeable" side, I personally think they're fine & were not uncomfortable at all. But you know what your ears can tolerate, so please go over the weights below to decide..

This is a real gift to own & is like owning a painting by Warren & can be treasured just like any piece of 'Fine Art" !

If you want the set, be sure to check out the gorgeous matching pendant that's shown in photos (Will be under “Pendants”