The Corn Maidens (Zuni)
In Zuni tradition, the Corn Maidens are sacred beings who embody the spirit of corn. They are associated with Paiyatuma, the god of the dawn and of music, and with the Kachina society. According to the myth, Paiyatuma courted the Corn Maidens, who were beautiful but shy. He played his flute for them, and they danced. Through this union, the sacred connection between corn and the people was established. The Corn Maidens taught the Zuni women how to grind corn, make piki bread, and prepare corn ceremonially. Each color of corn has its own maiden — Blue Corn Maiden, Yellow Corn Maiden, White Corn