Meet the Artist
The Artist Behind Every Piece
My name is Kateri Quandelacy Sanchez, and I am a Zuni artist from Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico. I grew up surrounded by the art of fetish carving — watching the hands of my family shape stone into something sacred, something alive. Carving is not simply a craft in my culture; it is a language passed down through generations, a way of honoring the natural world and the spirits that move through it.
Every piece I create at Maidens and More carries that lineage. When you hold one of my carvings or wear one of my jewelry pieces, you are holding something made with intention, with prayer, and with deep respect for the traditions of the Zuni people.
The Meaning of Zuni Fetish Carvings
Zuni fetishes are small stone carvings of animals and figures that have been central to Zuni spiritual life for centuries. Traditionally, fetishes were believed to hold the spirit of the animal they depicted — offering protection, guidance, and connection to the natural world. Bears represent healing and strength. Owls bring clarity and focus. Turtles bring longevity and perseverance and the songbird brings love and joy.
While my work honors this deep tradition, each carving I make is also a personal expression — shaped by my hands, my vision, and my relationship with the stone itself. No two pieces are ever the same.
Materials: Stone That Tells Its Own Story
I work with materials that are as extraordinary as the traditions they represent:
- Turquoise — One of the most sacred stones in Zuni culture, turquoise has been prized for thousands of years for its vivid color and spiritual significance. Each stone carries its own unique veining and character.
- Abalone Shell — Harvested from the sea, abalone brings iridescent color and a connection to water and life. Its shifting hues make every inlay one of a kind.
- Fossilized Stone — Ancient materials like fossilized ivory, ammonites/ammolites, septarian nodule and orthoceras carry millions of years of history within them. Working with these stones is a humbling reminder of how small we are — and how connected to something vast.
I source my materials carefully, choosing stones that speak to me — that feel right for the piece I am about to create.
One of a Kind, Always
Because I carve and incise each piece entirely by hand, no two items in my collection are identical. The stone dictates the shape. The grain, the color, the natural markings — these guide my tools. What emerges is not just jewelry or a carving; it is a collaboration between the artist and the earth.
When you choose a piece from Maidens and More, you are choosing something that will never exist again in quite the same way. This is the nature of handmade, stone-by-stone work rooted in a living tradition.
Thank You for Being Here
Whether you found me through a love of Native American art, a search for meaningful jewelry, or simply a beautiful piece that caught your eye — I am grateful you are here. I hope my work brings you as much joy as it brings me to create it.
— Kateri Quandelacy Sanchez, Zuni Artist