Zuni Pueblo Carved Dolomite Maiden Fetish By Faye Quandelacy

Late 20th/Early 21st Century

1.5" H x .625" L x 1" W

Hand Carved from Dolomite Stone with Painted Black Eyes and Nose Zuni Pueblo NM

Private Estate Collection

In Very Good Condition

Faye Quandelacy (1958–2022) was a highly regarded Zuni Pueblo (A:shiwi) fetish carver from New Mexico, best known for pioneering and refining the modern style of Corn Maiden (or maiden) figures.  She studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe under Hopi sculptor Allan Houser, blending traditional Zuni form with refined detail and sophistication. She came from the prominent Quandelacy carving family (daughter of Ellen Quandelacy; sister of Sandra, Stewart, Andres, and others) and taught family members. She specialized in maidens depicting the stages of womanhood (maiden, mother, grandmother/elder), often with symbolic elements tied to Zuni cosmology, fertility, abundance, and the Corn Maiden legend (in which the figure sacrifices herself to save the people from starvation). Some of her works include protective animals (eagles or bears) or multi-figure compositions. One of her pieces was gifted to President Bill Clinton on behalf of New Mexico. She passed away in September 2022; her daughter Talia continues aspects of the family tradition.