|
|
|
Mailing List ~ Newsletter>
The Double-Headed Bird Motif
September 1, 2003
DOUBLE-HEADED BIRD MOTIF
The double-headed bird motif is commonly seen in textiles
from many Mayan villages. It is a fine example of the
intertwining of Spanish and pre-Columbian beliefs in modern
weaving. In the 16th century the double-headed bird motif
was conferred by the Spanish crown upon the Nijaib Quiche
as the insignia of their royal lineage, even though a
similar motif had been used by Mayan weavers in
pre-Columbian times. The double-headed eagle was also the
emblem of the Spanish king, Charles V. Today, textile
interpretations of this symbol reflect it's Spanish origin,
but also include elements of the explicitly Mayan
experience and belief system. An Indian man from San Juan
Sacatepequez once identified this type of bird as a sign of
noble rank in his village and as the great God who has 2
faces. A myth from Santo Tomas Chichicastenango names the
double-headed bird as "Glavicote." There were thought to
have been many of these birds when the Earth was first
made. They were helpful for consuming dead animals, but
feared as a threat to children and domestic animals. With
the discovery of the blowgun the people were able to kill
all of the Glavicotes. The Popul Vuh gives this
supernatural bird the name of Xecotcovach, and tells a
similar story. This tale is a fine example of the complex
and many ways which native and Spanish colonial
interpretations have become intertwined, changed and passed
on. Today most of the origins and symbolism have been
forgotten, although descriptive names are often applied to
particular motifs.
|
|
