Silver & Turquoise Kachina Sculpture by Carol Sues, 20th Century

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Description

Description:
This exceptional 20th-century sculpture by American artist Carol Sues portrays Palhik Mana, also known as the Butterfly Maiden, a … Read more Description:
This exceptional 20th-century sculpture by American artist Carol Sues portrays Palhik Mana, also known as the Butterfly Maiden, a revered Hopi women’s dance personage symbolizing renewal, fertility, and the cyclical return of life. Executed entirely in .999 fine silver, the figure is both sculpturally powerful and materially rare, reflecting a high level of craftsmanship and artistic intent.

Palhik Mana represents the start of spring, the pollination of flowers, and the arrival of life-giving rain, and is associated with Wonder, Hope, and Fear—a poetic balance of nature’s promise and power. Though not a Kachina in the traditional ceremonial sense, she appears in the August “Dance of the Butterfly, performed to give thanks for the corn harvest and the abundance of the growing season.

The silver figure stands atop a natural turquoise boulder, which in turn rests on a slice of mesquite wood, creating a layered base that thoughtfully unites metal, stone, and organic material. The mesquite base is fitted with a matching silver plaque bearing the artist’s name, further underscoring the piece’s authenticity and presentation quality.

The sculpture is signed and hallmarked .999 on the interior of the cape on the right side, confirming the purity of the silver and the artist’s hand. The flowing cape and poised stance convey movement and grace, while the turquoise—long associated with protection and life in Southwestern cultures—adds a vivid and symbolic contrast to the luminous silver surface.

A rare and meaningful work ideal for collectors of Southwestern and Native American–inspired art, 20th-century studio sculpture, or fine silver objects, this piece presents as both a spiritual object and a sophisticated sculptural statement.

Details

Artist: Carol Sues
Medium: .999 fine silver and turquoise
Base: Turquoise boulder on mesquite wood with silver artist plaque
Subject: Palhik Mana (Butterfly Maiden)
Period: 20th Century
Signature: Signed and hallmarked “.999” inside cape, right side
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minimal, age-appropriate wear
Dimensions:
Height: 6.25 in.
Width: 4 in.
Depth: 3.75 in.

Provenance : Private collection See less