Picasso Marble Olla Maiden by Jeff Shetima

An amazing water/olla maiden carved in a red and cream/gray piece of Picasso marble by Jeff Shetima. This figural has a detailed face with jet inlaid eyes, and a huge bowl perched on her head, filled with turquoise* chips. The olla maiden tradition is preserved in the Gallup Indian Ceremonial parade and dance troupe where select Zuni maidens march and dance with pots balanced on their heads! This style carving is a departure for Jeff; for there is no heart line; but rather this lovely maiden is carved wearing a shawl with a Zuni turquoise*, coral, jet and mother-of-pearl sun face clasp, and is carved like a corn maiden - with incised corn rows near the base - sprouting out of a bowl with turquoise* chips; and even 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