A PERSONAL WORD ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Kewa Artist Warren Nieto is who I consider & call a "teacher".. No, not one that we think of who spends hours hours in the classroom, but a proud man of his rich Pueblo culture & loves sharing all he can with you, whether it's about his Anasazi ancestry that once lived in the Chaco Canyon/Mesa Verde region or the symbolic Petroglyphs that were inscribed on the walls there, or the history of Pueblo jewelry from how it started back then, to how it's made today, plus so much more..etc..And honestly there has never been a time where I haven’t been curious about something,where he couldn't give me an answer. He's a very respectful, kind & honest Pueblo man who I am grateful to work with & know..

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ABOUT THE PUEBLO CORN MAIDEN:

Corn is one of the most sacred plants known to Native American cultures on both continents, North and South America, where this staple has been a main food source for the native communities since time unknown.The tale of the Corn Maiden, and the importance of both the figure and all she represents in Pueblo Native American culture,these Maidens play a special role, symbolizing the prayers of the people for a rich harvest. They personify the bounty of life giving corn that grows in six different colors & in Pueblo tradition, it was long ago that the Corn-Maidens saved the people from famine and drought by nourishing them with sacred corn kernels from their bodies.

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THE EARRINGS:

Art comes in all forms & much more than with just paints & brushes.. But to Kewa Pueblo Artist "Warren Nieto", art comes in a lapidary form where he will cut stones & shells of different colors & different textures in order to "Paint" his subject..

These wearable art Corn Maiden earrings are just that.. A "Painting", showing the Maiden with an array of various colored kernels as they are carefully mosaic inlaid in a brick laid pattern on the lower 1/2 of her body.

Starting from deep within her, an "emergence" takes place & is what you see in this circular pattern in her facial area is what represents the "germination process for the seed" .This is mosaic inlaid with various materials.

The headdress she wears is a ceremonial piece called a "Tablita',but in this design, the headdress is actually a "Kiva Step Raincloud".. The rain clouds & rain are important to the Pueblo people, since it 's essential for the crops of corn, which remains today, to be vital to Puebloan people both as a source of food and as a part of their traditions and ceremonies.

These are a real gift to own & is like owning a painting by Warren & can be treasured just like any piece of 'Fine Art" !

The matching necklace is shown in the last 3 photos & can be found under “Necklaces !