Porophyllum japonicum
Papalo has a primo chino or Chinese cousin who unfortunately has been poorly done by when it comes to its name. The Japanese named “Sanshichi-so” (Porophyllum japonicum) (1) belongs to the Asteraceae family as do the others originating in the Americas but it is a perennial herb that is native of the southern part of China. It was introduced into Japan as a herbal medicine … Continue reading Porophyllum japonicum
Máscaras Peruanas : Peruvian Masks
Joyous Yuletide. Well it’s not Christmas but today certainly feels like it. I was scanning Facebook Market place (as I do) to find anything remotely Mesoamerican and mask related when I stumbled across the painting below. I was also quite surprised that it was listed as being FREE. This I could not believe so I contacted the seller and after a little back and forth … Continue reading Máscaras Peruanas : Peruvian Masks
Xochipilli : Different Iconographies
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
Máscaras de Sri Lanka
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
Rábano. The Radish.
So. What is Mike complaining about? The radish (rábano en español) The radish (Raphanus sativus) is a flowering plant in the mustard family, Brassicaceae, which also includes Brassica rapa – the turnip, Brassica oleracea – the cabbage and its relatives (1); and Armoracia rusticana – horseradish. Other herbs in this family include arugula (rocket), mustard, and watercress (horseradish should be here I guess. I consider … Continue reading Rábano. The Radish.
Máscaras de madera
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
The Gods are at it Again in Mexico
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
The Art of Luis Amendolla
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
Papalo in my garden. 2024-2025
I love this herb. I first came across it (and the class of herbiage called “quelites”) in a book by Josefina Howard. At this stage of my life I was a qualified chef (although at this time my primary interest was in the spices and cooking of India) and a trained herbalist (I later became qualified in Naturopathy) and I realised as I thumbed through … Continue reading Papalo in my garden. 2024-2025
Mexican Cooking Equipment : The Alcahuete
We can thank Mexico (and mesoamerica in general) for chocolate. How chocolate is done outside of Mexico is very different to how it was traditionally used. One aspect of this is the variety of drinks produced from chocolate (1) and another is the equipment used. I have looked at one of these tools previously (2) and today I would like to look at another, the … Continue reading Mexican Cooking Equipment : The Alcahuete
Masa Americana 