Description

The Corn Maiden represents the divine gift of the growing and harvesting of corn to Native American peoples. Often stylized, Corn Maidens are named for the type of corn they carry or represent.  This maiden is hand carved from Cottonwood. She is beautifully painted with wonderful detail and color.  It is signed on the bottom by the artist. Michael Sockyma is a Hopi man from Third Mesa, village of Kykotsmovi.  Although well known for his beautiful jewelry, most of Michael’s katsina were carved for ceremonial dances, but he did make some for collectors and the public.

Corn is the symbol of sustenance and is an important symbol of many tribes. Corn is considered a gift from the Great Spirit, so its role is both as a food and a ceremonial object.  Corn is connected to the Hopi for their skill in being able to raise corn in desert sand.  Corn Pollen is a blessing given for protection, understanding and forgiveness. It is used along with prayers, in house blessings, and to bless people by placing pollen on top of the head.  Cornmeal, usually made from perfect ears of white corn, is considered sacred and is used to bless and nurture sacred objects such as fetishes. The corn maiden gives of her own body to feed her family and provides seeds which ensure a continued source of food.

Condition: Excellent – original condition.
Provenance: Acquired from a private collector in Oklahoma.