Zuni Pueblo Maidens embody feminine strength, power of creation, nurturing and wisdom. Troy Sice's "Traditional Zuni Maiden" is a museum quality artwork demonstrating his consummate carving and inlaying skills. Perhaps she's a Maiden Grandmother who is identified by old-style whorls of hair and is wearing a shawl, signifying she has not had a baby. A gorgeous gold lip shell carved feather is secured to her intricated etched hair with sterling silver. Confident eyes are from inlaid pen shell and a red coral mouth speaks of time-honored ways.
The smooth antler shows soft folds of a cape, dress, apron and layered necklaces masterfully set with inlays from rare pink and red corals, bright spiny oyster shell, black pen shell, vibrant lapis lazuli, sky blue turquoise, iridescent black lip shell, golden gold lip shell, in addition to crushed pipestone and lapis. The moccasins are elegantly burnished. Beautifully presented in a leaning stance on a base of rich magnesite, all together measurements are about 5" tall, 2" wide and 1" deep. Signed by the artist, dated 10/13/21, 8pm.
Troy is an award-winning third-generation carver, the grandson of George H. CheeChee (d), nephew of Ramie and Miguel Haloo (d) and half-brother of Colvin Peina (d). He reaches back to a prehistoric Zuni Pueblo tradition in the use of antler and different stone mediums for creating animal and human forms.
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