Imagine a sculptor surrounded by choking dust,
facing a huge chunk of rock from which he must
create an extraordinary object. Working with
simple tools the task was formidable- to carve a
work that is both for this world and the next.
Such a panel would have been part of a tomb's
household furniture, in order for the noble owner
to be more comfortable in the afterlife.
Beneath the fiat surface is a veritable menagerie
of fantastic creatures. At the center a large bat
spreads its wings supporting the sides. He
stands on a jaguar, whose tail gracefully curls
upwards, lightly touching the table edge. At the
back are two supports symbolizing birds,
probably a condor, biting the head of a man who
seems to crouch in pain. The front duplicates
this astonishing imagery. These animals were
regarded as sacred and treated with respect.
Their primal nature, so realistically depicted,
perplexes, disturbs and excites.
Seen at eye level the fiat surface appears to
symbolize the calm of heaven, while below lurks
a jungle world full of danger and beauty. This
piece offers a dimension of life very strange to
our modern age. Yet, it speaks to our inner
selves with magic and mystery, as it must have
done when created.
- (PF.4428)
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