The writing system used by the Aztec at the time the Spanish arrived was not the same as the one we use today, the one I’m using now. Instead of using an alphabetic, syllabic text they essentially drew comic books. I do not mean to disparage them in any way by saying this and, when we eventually get to my exploration of botanical terminology and … Continue reading Sidetrack : Flor de Izote
I have a small (but growing) collection of masks and I am ever on the lookout for new additions, particularly from Mexico. I find it fascinating thinking of the journey the mask made to end up in Australia and into my hands. For some reason (maybe clumsiness?) I prefer wooden masks over the clay/ceramic ones. I like the feel of wood, the story it tells … Continue reading Mis Mascaras : Máscara Guatemalteco
A collection of the artists Luis Ricardo Amendolla Gasparos signatures (that I have been able to find) on various of his artworks. No reason really. Continue reading Amendollas signature.
In my Post Arte Mexicano : Mi Colección I wrote briefly about Luis Amendollas art “on public display” To recap Amendollas art on public display. The Spirit of La Fonda. This book describes the 50-year history and culture of the venerable La Fonda Restaurant in Lafayette, La. (1) one of the state’s most popular eating establishments. The book is also an autobiography of the restaurant’s … Continue reading Amendolla and La Fonda
Xochipilli is one of the more benign figures (sacrificially speaking) in the pantheon of mesoamerican forces. Xochipilli has been linked to (and worshipped as) in various guises as the young god of the dawn (1) (and also the setting sun) (2), a god of vegetation (most notably of flowers but also intoxicating plants and the sprouting seed) a god of games, song, dance, poetry and … Continue reading Xochipilli : Different Iconographies
Although my primary focus is on masks from the Americas – particularly Mexico, where borders are as fluid as the plants that cross them – my collection spans a variety of cultures. While I’ve acquired a number of exceptional Mexican masks, I also collect traditional masks from Oceania and Asia. Living in Australia, I am fortunate to be immersed in a region rich with diverse … Continue reading Máscaras de Sri Lanka
A new mascara has entered my collection. I first heard about his mask a couple of weeks ago when a friend noted he had seen a tiki mask (at a thrift store I don’t often visit) and that he was waiting until payday so he could go purchase it. 2 weeks later I visited the store and. noticed the mask on my way out. I … Continue reading Máscaras de madera
Battle of the Gods in Yucatan Sure. It starts off romantically enough with rainy day afternoon strolls in the CDMX Aaah. Young love But…….. ……..then it turns into something that strikes awe into even the most devout of Gods servants Gods you say? Tlaloc te ofresco6 Nopaleros de San Juan5 Teporochos de San Pedro3 Malandros de Coyula. .. 1 kilo de hongos… 2 cartones de … Continue reading The Gods are at it Again in Mexico
Are you one for coincidence or for synchronicity? I’m one for synchronicity. I like to think that there is a connection but its just that I can’t see it. The pattern of events occurring in an engine as big as the universe can’t possibly be discerned by a human mind. On to the synchronous then. I always loved this image of Xochipilli. I figured it … Continue reading The Art of Luis Amendolla
Masa Americana 