Tzinacantan.
Author: Gabriela Garcia Mariscal
Material: .925 Silver, garnet cabochon and gilded obsidian carving.
Weight: 63.5 gr
Year: 2023
Dimensions:
Bat dimensions: 13 cm long x 7.5 cm high
Collar dimensions: 47 cm long
Brooch dimensions: 3 cm diameter
Description of the work:
Necklace evoking the shape of a bat's body, constructed with axial symmetry using the filigree technique. The face is carved from gilded obsidian and the center of the body from garnet.
The segments of the necklace evoke the leaves of the maguey plant.
I chose the theme of the bat and the maguey plant because of the symbiotic relationship that both species maintain. Currently, with the boom in the production of tequila, mezcal, aguamiel, pulque, and in the kitchen for barbacoa, mixiotes and chinicuiles, the Mexican countryside dedicates large areas to their planting and use; however, their use prevents the plants from reaching maturity and flowering.
The quiote must be capped in order to produce aguamiel or distillates, which prevents the plant from flowering and being pollinated by bats, moths and hummingbirds, so that later the flowers generate the seeds that ensure the next generation of magueys.
Being aware of the beauty that exists in the symbiotic and mutualistic link between the wild and endemic flora and fauna species of our country is the first step to ensure their transcendence and maintenance.
This piece of goldsmithing is a tribute to the harmony of nature and an invitation to reflect on how our actions as humans affect the world.
The piece was designed as part of the First Diploma Course in Mexican Filigree, offered at the San Agustín Arts Center in Oaxaca, where I participated as a student for a term. It was completed with the intention of submitting it to the National Popular Art Prize competition. It is currently on display at the House of Handicrafts in Michoacán.
Contemporary Mexican filigree in 999 silver and stone carving by Gabriela Garcia Mariscal, designer, lapidary artist and goldsmith.
Participant of the 2023 Grand Prize of Popular Art, exhibited at the House of Crafts of Michoacán during November 2023.
Silver Mention on June 26th at the @diseño award
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Tzinacantan
Author: Gabriela Garcia Mariscal
Material: Sterling Silver (.925), Garnet Cabochon, and Golden Obsidian Carving
Weight: 63.5 g
Year: 2023
*Dimensions:
- Bat: 13 cm long x 7.5 cm high
- Necklace: 47 cm long
- Clasp: 3 cm diameter
This necklace, titled Tzinacantan , is a unique piece that evokes the shape of a bat, crafted with axial symmetry using traditional filigree techniques. The bat's face is intricately carved from golden obsidian , while a garnet cabochon forms the center of its body. The necklace segments are designed to resemble the leaves of the agave plant.
The inspiration behind this piece comes from the symbiotic relationship between bats and agave plants. With the rising demand for tequila, mezcal , aguamiel, pulque, and the use of agave in traditional Mexican cuisine for dishes like barbacoa, mixiotes, and chinicuiles, vast areas of Mexican farmland are now dedicated to agave cultivation. However, harvesting agave before it reaches maturity prevents the plant from flowering. The stalk (quiote) must be cut to produce aguamiel or distilled spirits, which stops the plant from blooming and being pollinated by bats, moths, and hummingbirds, thereby reducing the production of seeds needed for the next generation of agave.
This piece aims to raise awareness of the delicate, mutualistic bond between these native species of flora and fauna. Understanding the beauty of this relationship is the first step towards ensuring their preservation.
This jewelry piece is a tribute to the harmony of nature and an invitation to reflect on the impact of human actions on our environment.* It was designed during the First Diploma in Mexican Filigree at the Centro de las Artes de San Agustín, Oaxaca, where I was a student for one term. The necklace was completed to be presented in the National Folk Art Award competition and is currently exhibited at the Casa de las Artesanías in Michoacán.
This is a contemporary Mexican filigree piece made of pure silver (.999) with stone carving by Gabriela Garcia Mariscal, a designer, lapidary artist, and goldsmith.
Awards & Exhibitions:
- Participant in the 2023 National Folk Art Award
- Exhibited at Casa de las Artesanías, Michoacán, in November 2023
- Silver Mention on June 26th, awarded by @diseño
