Xipe Totec

 

        This mask depicts Xipe Totec (“our lord the flayed one”) who was the Aztec god of planting.  The Aztec’s also believed him to be a prominent figure in fertility.  The Aztec people were a culture that had an intense focus on warfare and sacrifice, and there was nothing different about Xipe Totec and the rituals that took place in his honor.  These rituals involved a gladiator style sacrifice of an Aztec victim who’s skin was then flayed from their body and placed over the mask and worn until they eventually rotted off (so incredibly disturbing!).  To the Aztec’s, this symbolized a rebirth and renewal of the seasons as well as the natural life cycle of the maize kernel. 

        When I look at this mask, my focus first turns to the prominent mouth.  The odd depiction of a mouth inside of a mouth is strange and eerie, a representation of the god’s mouth inside that of the flayed victim’s skin.  The eyes appear to be partially closed as if the deity is glaring towards its intended victim and it makes me feel as though his glance was one that could see right through them.  The eyebrows are defined as well, as though a slight scowl is present on the face, a scowl indicative of power and intensity.

        To me, the mask gives off an unfriendly and violent feel, which I find to be ironic considering the deity had ties to fertility.  For me, when I think about fertility, obviously coming from a much more modern outlook, I think of pregnancy and of bringing new life into the world.  From this perspective, I would expect something almost angelic – one that would portray happiness and love.  Instead, with this mask, the feeling of malevolence is here, but in a seemingly subtle and low-key manner – the mask does not necessarily scream brutal sacrifice - which is disturbing in and of itself when you think about the hostile acts that were conducted on the victims.

Maya - Life in 2012

            The Maya culture is one that stems from a long history dating back to approximately AD 250.  There are so many amazing and remarkable facets that make this society one of the greatest ever known.  What many people do not realize, however, is that the Mayan society is still very much in existence – amazingly so, with a population who’s numbers reach between six and seven million.

            Today the Maya are trying to find a balance between their ancient society and one that embodies their ancestry with functionality in today’s world.  The religion found today, for example, is one that embodies their past beliefs and rituals but also incorporates Catholicism.  Aspects that were once major parts of everyday life are being incorporated as similarly as possible – the community still has secular and religious leaders, rituals are performed, Shamans keep track of the established 260 day calendar and worships and offerings are still features encompassed from their past. 

            Despite the attempt to keep tradition alive and cohesive, it is astonishing to read about the difficulties and struggles that the Mayan culture deals with on a day to day basis.  Most of us wake up each and every day, completely unaware of what this culture has to face and endure.  Today, missionaries are responsible for the destruction of the treasured and valued rainforest that is such a crucial characteristic in their society, targeting the area in hopes of harvesting its ample mahoganies.  The “conquest” from these missionaries is essentially becoming catastrophic to this ancient culture.

            In addition, the Maya people experienced great devastation in their numbers when approximately 30 years ago they found themselves in unwarranted conflict with their own government and leftist guerrillas.  The result of this destruction was hundreds of thousands dead or missing.  The Maya are in a similar situation today with the dealings of continued racism among the people of Guatemala.  Despite the richness that surrounds this culture’s history and its numerous accomplishments; many Maya people today keep their heritage a secret to avoid this unwanted negative attention.

            In order for this culture to continue on in its survival, I feel more attention and awareness have to be brought to light in regards to their unmerited struggles within their region.  The Mayan culture has suffered from discrimination and racism and its people are looked down upon in Guatemala for the simple fact that they are Maya.  What a shame to have a culture as rich and influential as the Maya, with members of its society afraid to admit that they are members, for fear of severe repercussion.  Obviously they have done many things right to have survived for as long as they have, and I feel this wealth of knowledge and success should be sheltered, shared and revered for these many accomplishments.