Bronze "Keeper of Hope", 5/30, by Caroline Carpio (Isleta Pueblo)

This graceful Pueblo woman wearing a tablita on her head and a traditional woven manta worn as a shawl is holding a stalk of corn in one hand and a canteen of water in the other. She is mounted on a beautiful wooden, revolving base. Caroline Carpio, explains the symbolism behind her lovely bronze: "Reflecting on the drought brings on a prayer for hope, hence her body in the shape of a rain drop and the tablita that she is wearing on her head represents the clouds.  The corn and water is a symbol of our basic survival.  The faith that our ancestors instilled in our hearts make us the Keepers of Hope."

Working in clay, Caroline makes both pottery in a contemporary style and the originals of her sculptures that are then cast in bronze.  "At times, my artwork is a reflection of my inner prayers and other times, it is the stories of our ancestors that inspire a new vision.  I would like my sculptures to preserve a story and educate who we are many generations from now," she says.

Height 23 1/2", width 10". Comes with artist's statement and care instructions.

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