Corn Maidens

Corn Maidens, sometimes called the Grandmother of Light or Grandmother of the Sun, represent supernatural beings that gave the gift of corn to the Zuni people. According to Zuni mythology, the Corn Maidens emerged from the Middle World at the same time as the Zuni people. Legends vary at this point, but one story tells of insults and harassment that caused the Corn Maidens to leave the people, taking the village corn. With the Zuni people on the brink of starvation, Paytuma went into the Summer Lands with his painted flute, seeking the Corn Maidens. He found them and greeted them with the music of his song.  As the Maidens greeted him, with a touch of his hand and the breath of his flute, he persuaded the Maidens to follow him back to their deserted people.