Posted 7 years ago
oldbonz
(9 items)
This fascinating little statue holds so much energy. Every angle shows a different expression, including the down angle. At first glance, the turquoise stone looks like the mouth, with the eyes on the 'forehead'. However, seen from the side, there looks to be another mouth in the profile. The other side of the face (not shown for lack of space) is completely different: it has no lips whatever. A close look at the head from the front and top reveals extraordinary carvings.
The signature, I believe, reads "Toya".
The stone looks like marble. It was set into the base when I purchased it. I must have gotten it out West, but I don't remember where exactly. I have spent quite a bit of time there.
The statue itself is about 8" tall and rests on a 2" tall wooden block.
I've been searching for more about this piece, but I am not versed in Native American art.
Appreciate any and all input.
Thanks
Cathy
This is a carving of a Corn Maiden, by G. Paul Toya, from Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico. Corn Maiden is an important figure with many legends/stories connected to her. G. Paul Toya has carved several similar pieces that show up on an on line search, some with the turquoise bead, and identified as being carved from alabaster.
A web search for "pueblo corn maiden" can provide more information about the corn maiden's story, but not much additional on G. Paul Toya. You might contact the Walatowa Visitor Center and Museum of History and Culture at the Pueblo, to see if someone there could answer any other questions you may have. They have contact numbers on their web site. They are probably still operating under winter hours, open Wednesday through Sunday.
Canyonroad!
Thank you for replying and replying with so much information!
What a fascinating artist he seems.
The energy this maiden emits is extraordinary. He must have put a bit of his spirit into her.
Thank you so very much.
Cathy
Mystery solved, thanks to CanyonRoad. :)