Mexican Gifts, Flavored by Cultural History

Mayan civilization consisted of many small kingdoms in southern Mexico, dating back to 1800 BC. Though advanced in several fields of knowledge, the Maya are best remembered for their step pyramids. This "Maya Sun" wall decoration recalls religious symbols found in the Mayan pyramids.

Mayan ceramics and sculpture from c.250–700 AD survive in museums, and their religious symbols and legendary heroes find new life in Mexican crafts and artwork of today. These decorative ceramic plates depict gods, priests, warriors and great rulers.

Mayan culture declined after 700 AD, but some cities continued to flourish even after the Spanish arrived in 1519. It took the Spanish nearly 180 years to gain total control over the decentralized Mayan kingdoms.

But Mayan culture survived. Descendents of the ancient Maya are still found in significant numbers in the region formerly occupied by their ancestors. Ancient figures like this "Maya Jaguar Priest," commemorated on a handsome ceramic mask, often appear on Mexican gifts.

The Aztecs occupied central Mexico for 300 years until the Spanish conquest in 1521. Aztec culture derived from the more ancient Toltecs. This finely detailed ceramic "Warrior from Tula" is a replica of a Toltec guard from the temple of Quetzalcoatl at Tula, seen in the photo.

Aztec ancestors known as Mexica came from the north around 1250 AD. Legend foretold that a vision would reveal the location where they were to settle. The vision, an eagle perched on a cactus and holding a serpent, is depicted on Mexican gifts like this ceramic plate, and on the Mexican coat of arms.

Around 1325, the Aztecs founded the city of Tenochtitlan where Mexico City now stands. The city became the capital of the Aztec Empire. This pair of "Ancient Noblemen" ceramic masks echoes artifacts found in city of Teotihuacán, not far from the Aztec capital.

Within 60 years of the Spanish conquest, smallpox and typhus had decimated 80% of the indigenous population of central Mexico. Social cohesion was destroyed, and the Aztecs faded into history. But Aztec designs like the well-known Aztec calendar are still seen in Mexican gifts.

The Huichol are a distinct ethnic group in the remote mountains of west central Mexico. They remained relatively isolated and resisted Spanish culture and religion, and so have retained much of their original culture. This is recalled in their beautifully crafted Mexican gifts.

Yarn paintings depicting religious symbols honor ancient Huichol traditions. Small plaques are covered with a beeswax adhesive, and strands of bright yarn are pressed into the wax, forming intricate patterns. This plaque, entitled "Magical Huichol mirror," symbolizes the Shaman's path to a sacred place.

Colorful beadwork, for which the Huichol are well known, is affixed onto wood and other rigid materials with beeswax adhesive. The finely detailed designs on these Mexican gifts are skillfully rendered in tiny beads. Here are three of our personal favorites:

• The "Sacred Candles" mask has a papier mache foundation. Fire and corn are two of the religious symbols in this beautiful design.



• A stunning Huichol beaded necklace is painstakingly crafted and looks lovely against the skin or over a plain neckline.



• The magnificent great mother Werika Eagle figurine has a hand-carved wooden base and depicts the deer and the snake among other Huichol religious symbols.

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers hundreds more Mexican gifts - note the variety of products! Below is a sampling, and we encourage you to visit Novica (opens to Mexico section), and discover favorites of your own.

Red clay vase/vessel, "Water Carrier" – museum-quality reproduction, c.300-650 AD from west central Mexico.

Ceramic vase, "Imperial Peacock" in the Talavera style, techniques date from Spanish Colonial period.

Stoneware candle holders, "Night Owls" - a pair, each with an owl perched on the rim.

Pina colada glasses - handmade blown glass, dishwasher safe (top rack), set of 6.

Mirror framed in glass mosaic, lovely warm colors for a front hallway. Vidri Arte lives up to their slogan "Light Through Glass" by teaching this skill to Mexicans with special needs.

Welcome sign - a smiling cat of cut ironwork, this would make a friendly and whimsical housewarming gift. The cut iron "Gecko in the Window" is very "Mexico" too!

Wool Zapotec rug - hand woven, smooth and soft, and Wool Runner "Rain Clouds" in grays with traditional Mexican diamond pattern.

Novica brings you original paintings by Mexican artists, sorted by style: abstract, folk art, landscapes and others. You can navigate among styles with the drop-down menu at the upper left of the screen. These are Mexican gifts to please many different tastes! Personally, I'm drawn to the folk art:

• "Flying in Happiness" – acrylic on tissue paper mounted on mat board - depicts a child riding a dove. Colorful and cheery, lovely for a child's room!



• Other paintings in this style, by Jose Antonio Ramirez, depict symbols of Day of the Dead, a uniquely Mexican festival, along with angels, fantasies and fiestas.

Playing card box - made of hand tooled leather, 2 decks standard sized cards are included.

Figurine set - 7-piece Mariachi band, a symbol of Mexico. Figures are cleverly made from recycled auto parts and scrap metal. Sure to please a musician.

Hammock - This might be unexpected as a Mexican gift, but did you know that the Maya used hammocks back before the Spanish conquest? These strong hammocks and hammock swings are made by the Maya Artists of the Yucatan.

Leather bags & backpacks - hand made of high grade leather with quality details. I like the weekender with a zipper closure and a cotton shoulder strap, the perfect size for frequent use.

Sterling silver necklace - delicate "Kaleidoscope" design, pendant on a suede cord.

There are hundreds more Mexican gifts, nicely organized for your convenience at Novica. My experience with National Geographic shops has always been excellent - quality products and prompt, courteous service. I'm confident that yours will be too. Enjoy!