Travel theme: Symbol

11 Dec 2013

Travel theme: Symbol

Zapotec/Mixtec Symbols

The Zapotec people (in combination with Mixtec groups) adorned their structures with these symbols, which are quite different from those found in other ruins of the area. The archaeological site is located in the town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Zapotec symbols decorate the alebrijes

The symbols are repeated on the whimsical hand carved and intricately painted alebrijes that are created in the villages of Arrazola and San Martín Tilcajete. A workshop that I visited in Arrazola provided a Zapotec explanation of the symbols with the purchase of their stunning artwork.

Posted in Archaeological Sites, Art, Photo Challenges, Travel and tagged archaeological sites, culture, Mexico, Oaxaca

8 thoughts on “Travel theme: Symbol”

MaitoMike on December 11, 2013 at 11:06 am said:

Awesome post! Brought back memories of the time I did my diploma in archaeology. Very intricate and elaborate artwork for sure. Lucky you to have visited a workshop. =)

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- Marilyn Albright on December 13, 2013 at 5:01 am said:
  
  Thank you for the kind comment. The indigenous people in this part of Mexico are outstanding artisans in many areas, though pottery, carving, textiles, and making mezcal are their specialties. They welcome people into their workshops and are happy to show you what they are doing. The best way to know where these places are is with local guides, who have a wealth of information and love to share.
  These alebrijes are wonderfully crazy, and I will be going to another workshop in a couple of weeks when we have visitors. I’ll do a whole blog about them then.
  
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Sartenada on December 13, 2013 at 2:51 am said:

Wow! I love especially the second photo.

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- Marilyn Albright on December 13, 2013 at 5:03 am said:
  
  I’m glad you like this one. It was created in the workshop of one of the masters. You can imagine the enormous amount of time involved.
  
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Jadi Campbell on December 18, 2013 at 2:53 am said:

Wow! I hadn’t thought so plainly about the similarities of Mexican architectural decoration and painted arts… your post makes it clear. Thanks for connecting some of the dots for me.

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- Marilyn Albright on December 18, 2013 at 5:50 am said:
  
  Thanks, Jadi. I have also seen the designs in some of the handwoven rugs, but not on the clothing.
  
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Alex Hurst on December 22, 2013 at 5:16 am said:

Gorgeous! So happy to be able to see your photography again! Have a happy holiday!

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- Marilyn Albright on December 29, 2013 at 5:50 am said:
  
  Thank you, Alex. Life is so rich here that I don’t seem to find much time for posting blogs! Happy New Year to both of you!
  
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