The noted Zuni Indian artist, Claudia Peina, carved this Turquoise fetish pendant. Corn is the sacred mother crop that sustains the Pueblo Indians of the Southwest. The Corn Maidens first created corn seeds by rubbing the flesh from their bodies. A path of cornmeal is part of many Hopi and Zuni ceremonies.

The pendant is attached with 3mm antique White Heart trade beads and a sterling silver bead. The body of the necklace is 3mm southwestern natural color Turquoise. We will be using either Kingman Turquoise from Arizona or Eliza and Nacozari from Mexico for the body of the necklace. We want to match the Turquoise beads to the color of the Corn Maiden pendant.

There are accents of White Heart trade beads and Arizona-made sterling silver beads. The White Hearts date back to the late 1800s.

Kit finishes to 20" of beads, plus approximately 2" length of the pendant, and includes sterling silver clasp and crimps, stringing material and instructions. We will include a monograph on the history and use of White Heart trade beads and another on Turquoise.

Price is for one kit.