Masks of Gold - Galeria Atotonilco
Yesterday , January 22, was a special day filled with country walking, a visit to the small village of Atotonilco with a population under 600 people but which has a special place in Mexico and Mexican history.
I must say that the main street of the village made me feel a little like I was on a movie set for a Western - Mexico style. I loved meeting the people [ shy], the children coming out from school for bagged lunch purchased from street vendors on the street [ more on that later]; [ the children less shy]; a visit to the World Heritage site on the corner of Main Street , best known as the Church of Atotonilco but described as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico and lastly a visit to the Galeria which houses ancient and newer examples of art collected from all the different cultural indigenous peoples of Mexico . A lovely young woman told me many things about the various cultures, the art , and stories behind the art.
Along the way [ walking ], I managed to make a wrong turn and amble into a very private residence property [ hidden behind a tall stone wall, it was quite spectacular and I found myself ambling along taking pictures of art and sculpture and natural beauty of the landscape until I arrived on the doorstep of a large Mexican casa where I found myself realizing I was trespassing and trying to apologize profusely. Luckily, the handsome gentleman spoke a rather perfect English , laughed merrily and gave me further directions. Having come back to the entrance another lovely woman also interrogated me [ kindly] and pointed me back in the right direction.... so much wealth and so many in the country with so few opportunities....
I must say that the main street of the village made me feel a little like I was on a movie set for a Western - Mexico style. I loved meeting the people [ shy], the children coming out from school for bagged lunch purchased from street vendors on the street [ more on that later]; [ the children less shy]; a visit to the World Heritage site on the corner of Main Street , best known as the Church of Atotonilco but described as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico and lastly a visit to the Galeria which houses ancient and newer examples of art collected from all the different cultural indigenous peoples of Mexico . A lovely young woman told me many things about the various cultures, the art , and stories behind the art.
Along the way [ walking ], I managed to make a wrong turn and amble into a very private residence property [ hidden behind a tall stone wall, it was quite spectacular and I found myself ambling along taking pictures of art and sculpture and natural beauty of the landscape until I arrived on the doorstep of a large Mexican casa where I found myself realizing I was trespassing and trying to apologize profusely. Luckily, the handsome gentleman spoke a rather perfect English , laughed merrily and gave me further directions. Having come back to the entrance another lovely woman also interrogated me [ kindly] and pointed me back in the right direction.... so much wealth and so many in the country with so few opportunities....
The Church of Atotonilco
When you find yourself in such a sanctuary [ the main area of the church called the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno de Atotonilco] with ancient chants vibrating and echoing up through
the space, you know there are stories here that swirl through the centuries. You must google this World Heritage Building to read of its stories, and its significance in the ultimate independence of Mexico . But , whether you are religious, spiritual or just human, this place will quieten you and draw you in . Here are just a few images to give you an idea .
the space, you know there are stories here that swirl through the centuries. You must google this World Heritage Building to read of its stories, and its significance in the ultimate independence of Mexico . But , whether you are religious, spiritual or just human, this place will quieten you and draw you in . Here are just a few images to give you an idea .
I actually took this image upside down on one of the ceilings
Galeria - Masks of Diablo & other scary creatures
Given our visit to the famous church in this village, I thought I would first share with you some of the masks and images created by many different Mexican indigenous cultures throughout Mexico . Many of these are ancient , but what I always find of interest is how every culture in the world has created masks as part of its culture, its ceremonies, its belief systems and in telling stories to their children to teach moral values and other important lessons on how to live. I guess you could say I have always been attracted to these masks, their people and their stories wherever I have travelled in the world.
In Mexican cultures " Diablo" the devil or other underworld creatures seem to have played a prominent role.
Here are a few of these images which the Galeria so kindly allowed me to take and share with you.
In Mexican cultures " Diablo" the devil or other underworld creatures seem to have played a prominent role.
Here are a few of these images which the Galeria so kindly allowed me to take and share with you.
These are all made of wood , although some of the horns may be from animals
Later , I will share some more of the fascinating discoveries regarding Mexico and its ancient and magnificent culture ... right now the sun is shining and its time to do some drawing. Hasta Luego
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