The Atlachinolli collection is a tribute to the ancestral duality that characterizes the world of opposites, a concept deeply rooted in the Mexican worldview. Inspired by the Mexica symbol that merges water and fire, this collection invites us to reflect on the necessary struggle for transformation, the fight between opposing elements that gives rise to life itself.
Atlachinolli, in its deepest sense, evokes the life that springs from the earth, the water that flows down from the mountains, the spring that flows forth, and the salt of the sea that nourishes all that exists. Water, both flowing and vapor, symbolizes an inner struggle, a constant process of purification. It is the sweat of daily existence, the burning water within us that cleanses and transforms our emotions, thoughts, and dreams.
Copper, a fundamental element of the collection, not only dates back to the history of humankind, reaching back to the ancient civilizations of Cyprus, but in the Mexican context, it is a symbol of connection to the land and to history. Derived from the Latin word *cuprum* and linked to the veneration of the goddess Venus, copper is also associated with the symbol ♀, which represents life, fertility, and the eternal cycle of creation. Copper becomes the medium through which water, a vital element, is channeled and protected.
The inclusion of the snail in this collection harks back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, especially Teotihuacan, where the snail symbolized wind and water, elements essential to life. In particular, snails evoke a connection with the deity Tlaloc, lord of rivers, lakes, and springs. This link to Tlaloc is reinforced by the discovery of the Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli merlon at the Teotihuacan archaeological site, where water, as a symbol of life and transformation, emerges as the pillar of creation.
The Atlachinolli collection is, therefore, a journey to the heart of our land, where copper, water, fire, and ancestral symbols converge to create jewelry that tells the story of our origins, the struggle for life, and transformation. Each piece is a testament to the connection between matter and spirit, between past and present, between life and death.
Author: Gabriela García Mariscal
As a goldsmith and creator of the Maria Mariscal Jewelry brand, I have dedicated my life to exploring and reinterpreting the deepest traditions of our culture. In this Atlachinolli collection, I wanted to pay homage to the ancestral elements that have been fundamental to the Mexican worldview: water, fire, copper, and the conch shell. Each piece is a reflection of the history that connects us to our land and the natural forces that sustain us.
The concept of Atlachinolli —the war of opposites that gives rise to life—has guided me throughout this creative process. As a goldsmith, my intention is to transform these symbols of struggle and renewal into jewelry that not only beautifies but also tells a profound story about life, transformation, and our connection to our roots. This collection is a tribute to our identity, our land, and the forces that allow us to exist.
Each piece is made with heart, with the hand that works the metal, but also with the soul that draws nourishment from the rich traditions of our ancestors. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and creation.
