"I like making jaguar heads because they remind me of my Maya ancestors. To them the jaguars protected the fields and mountains. They regarded the jaguar as a deity who they honored at the beginning of a harvest," says Jose Canil Ramos. According to Maya cosmogony, the jaguar is represented by the Ix day of the Maya calendar. It symbolizes strength and vigor, as well as feminine and feline energies. Canil carves the sculpture by hand from pinewood and paints it with extraordinary artistry. Before finishing the piece he applies a mixture of soot and water to achieve an antique and weathered illusion.
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We purchased three of these magnificently carved masks from the same artist. They are in a hallway as an introduction to our Guatemala room. I was a volunteer in Guatemala for two years, teaching English. I love the indigenous cultures there and these masks are a fine representation of indigenous art.
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I ordered an angel carved by Jose Canil Ramos previous time ordering this and I knew what a great job he does! This did not disappoint. Fantastic
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Photos dont do this jaguar justice. Very, very nicely done!
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I gave this beautiful nativity scene as a family gift to display before Christmas. They love it
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This set exceeded my expectations with the high quality and attention to detail. Very nice set that is well made and beautifully painted. Looking forward to displaying this for many years to come. Thank you
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When I saw this on Novica, I felt tears well up. I am old and I have looked all over for, many different interpretations of, the nativity. Of all of those, this one touched me the most. Thank you.
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