In the beginning, when the A:shiwi emerged from Mother Earth, our ancestors brought forward the gift of Life, the Sacred Corn Mothers. When they made there way looking for the middle of the world, they left symbols of remembrance on rocks, cliffs and caves we call pictographs or petroglyphs. They left these so we could make our way back to our Origin of Life. Sacred pilgrimages to our place of emergence takes place to this day.
Not only is corn a primary food source and a symbol of nourishment but also of prosperity, abundance, and countless generations of generations to come. Corn represents women who carry forward their feminine knowledge, keep our lineage and pass down traditions. Corn also represents the new born to the eldest of the village; Child, Mother, Grandmother.
Today, in this modern world we still carry on the history and traditions of our people and in the forefront of the Zuni Culture is our Sacred Corn Mothers.
Featured is a rare and exceptional museum quality sculpture that has been created by Troy Sice. A huge piece of hand carved Elk Antler that took many hours to complete. Her eyes and mouth are inlaid with deep Black Pen Shell. An intricate channel inlay of natural Carico Lake Turquoise and natural Ethiopian Opal make up her wonderful necklaces. Precise incising on her traditional hair whirls and bangs. Her body is carefully incised to form the shape of corn kernels and inlaid with many large natural Mediterranean Coral, both elaborate and stunning. The ceremonial robe she wears is incised with wonderful folds and has a intricate stone to stone border of materials such as Black Pen Shell, Afghanistan Lapis, White Mother of Pearl, Orange Spiny Oyster Shell, Chrysocolla, Carico Lake Turquoise, Abalone and Kingman Turquoise. The Black Pen Shell triangles represent rain clouds with lines of Green serpentine pigment symbolizing falling rain. Arrows of lightning zig zagging across the sky inlaid with Red Pipe Stone pigment and Mediterranean Coral arrow points. Finally, this marvelous sculpture is complete with a hand carved Black Belgium Marble base.
This Holiday Season, treat yourself to a wonderful heirloom to add to your private collection for you and family to enjoy for many generations.
You will be certain that this will be a conversational piece!
This magnificent sculpture was entered into the 33rd Annual Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market and won Best of Division & First Place Ribbons. June 28-29, 2025.
Artist: Troy Sice
Signed: Troy Sice Zuni copyright 2024 8/15/2024 @ 3 A.M.
About: 11-1/2"T by 3-3/4"W by 1-7/8"L
Item# 1571