Vivella Cheama: Green Serpentine, Maiden Sold Bear The shell’s natural curvature perfectly

The shell’s natural curvature perfectly suits the animal’s stocky

adding a pop of color to the piece and imbuing it with a sense of intrigue

This miniature masterpiece seems to encapsulate the gracefulness of nature in one small form

The addition of abalone horns and turquoise eyes adds a touch of opulence and mysticism

Vivella Cheama: Green Serpentine, Maiden Sold Bear The shell’s natural curvature perfectlyChe ama Corn Maiden (A: dow e: washdok'i): In the Zuni Pueblo the three stages of woman are recognized as: Maiden, symbolizing potential Mother, the life giver Grandmother, the wise elder Usually the maiden fetish will be emerging from corn (the corn maiden) or she will have whorls of hair on the side of her head, signifying that she has not had a child. The mother fetish also can be emerging from the corn (the corn mother) and she will have children