Zuni and Navajo Fetish Carvings
Maidens and People

What is a Corn Maiden

Corn is to Pueblo people what the buffalo has always been to the Plains Indians, the very symbol of LIFE. In Zuni mythology, the Corn Maidens brought this gift, and many of the carvings of women, especially those with a criss-cross pattern on the body, are carved to pay homage to the Corn Maidens.

What is an Olla Maiden?

An olla maiden is known for carrying a jar, or olla, on her head. She wears traditional garments and her hair is typically formed in maiden bundles at the sides with a long flowing section down her back. Ollas were traditionally used to carry corn meal or water.

What is a Butterfly Maiden?

Butterfly represents transformation, the ability to go through changes in life with grace and lightness, like the plain caterpillar changing into a colorful butterfly. Butterfly's bright colors symbolize liveliness and playfulness. Butterfly helps us look at heavy and tense situations with a new, lighter perspective.

What is a Tabletta?

Also called a tablita, this is a portion of the headdress of the Hopi Butterfly Maiden. It is a decorated board with stair step edges and a decorated front and back. It is worn, using a harness to hold it onto the head, so that the widest portion is seen from the front or the back.