Picasso Marble Olla Maiden by Jeff Shetima

An amazing water/olla maiden carved in a red and grayish cream piece of Picasso marble created in 2013 by Jeff Shetima. This maiden has a detailed face with jet inlaid eyes, and has a large olla/watering bowl perched on top of her head, filled with turquoise chips. The olla maiden tradition is preserved in the Gallup Indian Ceremonial parade by the Zuni Olla Maiden Dance Troupe - a selected group of women who march and dance with pots balanced on their heads. This style carving is a departure for Jeff; for there is no inlaid healing heart line - rather this lovely maiden is carved wearing a shawl with a Zuni turquoise, coral, jet and mother-of-pearl sun face 'clasp'. The maiden is carved like a corn maiden - with incised corn rows near the base - sprouting out of a Zuni prayer bowl with turquoise chips; and the maiden holds a piece of corn in one hand; quite lovely and emotive!
Artist: Jeff Shetima (signed)
Size: 6 in. tall x 2-3/4 in. wide x 2-1/4 in. deep
#37630