Arturo Macias Armenta was a Famous Mexican Architect, Artist, Cinematographer, and Sculptor
“Templo Maya” – The Collection of Ms. Tania Scales of Zihuatanejo
We are proud to present the “Goddesses and Women of Mexico” sculptures from the incredible Templo Maya collection of Ms. Tania Scales of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero. The sculptures are the work of the late Arturo Macias Armenta, who was a famous Mexican architect, artist, cinematographer, and sculptor. Visit Arq. Arturo Macias | Zihrena Gallery for a complete biography.
Internationally renowned, Arturo Macias initiated his work on this fabulous series of sculptures in 1985. The sculptor passed away a few years ago but leaves his masterpieces to treasure forever.
We begin the tour of the “Goddesses and Women of Mexico” with the sculpture of Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez.
Born in México in the 1700s of parents from Spain, Josepha identified herself as “Mexican” not Spanish, she loved the indigenous people and she wanted independence for her country.
Josefa was very sympathetic to the plight of the indigenous, mestizo, and Criollo communities of Mexico, and she worked closely with them trying to overcome the injustices they experienced. She is depicted with a Spanish hairstyle, the flag of Spain behind her, and a broken chain depicted her country’s independence from Spain.
Xumucane is the symbolic mother of the “Hero Twins,” Hunahph and Xbalanque, and part of the Maya story of creation. The Maya Hero Twins are the central figures of the oldest Maya myth to have been preserved in its entirety. The Twins have also been identified in the art of the Classic Mayas (200-900 AD). The Mayan Twins are considered to be the mythical ancestors to the Mayan ruling lineages.
Ixchel is the aged jaguar goddess of midwifery and medicine in ancient Maya culture. In the past, Ixchel was sometimes assumed to be identical to the Classic Maya moon goddess because of the Moon’s association with fertility and procreation. The waning moon is often called “Our Grandmother,” and Ixchel may have represented the particular lunar phase associated with the diminishing fertility and eventual dryness of old age.
Xtabay was the Maya goddess of the jungle, the female deity of the hunt.
Many thanks to Tania Scales for sharing these magnificent art pieces with us.
