Folwell, Susan & Les Namingha – “Birth of the Corn Maiden” Jar (2015)

10"w x 10"h

$ 5,500.00

This large jar is a collaborative piece by Susan Folwell (Santa Clara )and Les Namingha (Hopi-Tewa/Zuni).  The jar is entitled, “Birth of the Corn Maiden”. The concept for this jar is not just the importance of the Corn Maiden in Pueblo culture, but also how she is a primal female archetype in cultures throughout the world.  There is play back and forth on the vessel as the multi-cultural figures are placed within a Pueblo context as the “Corn Maiden”, who brings the corn, the harvest, and life.  The jar was made by Les and painted by both Susan and Les.  The jar is very round in shape and the vertical lines are all burnished (polished) onto the surface!  The female here is inspired by Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” painting.  Note the shell earrings. There is a corn snake that symbolizes Les being part of the Corn Clan.  The badgers represent Susan’s grandfather who was Badger Clan. The katsina style figures are seen in the clouds and breathing life into the Corn Maiden.  It is signed on the bottom by both Susan and Les.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair. 

FERTILE MINDS: Susan Folwell and Les Namingha’s Corn Maiden Series