Woman's blouse (Huipil) c. 20th century

This is a Maya woman’s blouse, or Huipil, made of cotton. Look closely at the neck, where you see a solar emblem in the center of the neck, surrounded by what appears to be the halo of feathers. Throughout time, we have observed the solar emblem reappear from ancient Egyptian art to the Renaissance. Often represented as a life-giving force, it evokes a sense of power and enlightenment. The solar disk, here framed by the intricate pattern of feathers, reminds me of the feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl, a deity worshipped by many Mesoamerican cultures. Feathers, like the sun, symbolize spiritual ascension and the flight of the soul to higher realms. Here, in the indigenous Maya tradition, the sun disk surrounded by feathers is reimagined and imbued with sacred, emotive energy. It highlights the eternal cycle of existence and transformation, engaging viewers in a profound, subconscious dialogue.