This richly dressed Mayan woman may have been a votive gift from a person of similar appearance to Ixchel, goddess of childbirth. Wearing a bright woven skirt, a striped shawl,...
This richly dressed Mayan woman may have been a votive gift from a person of similar appearance to Ixchel, goddess of childbirth. Wearing a bright woven skirt, a striped shawl, jewelry, and with a brimmed hat perched atop her headdress, she appears to belong to the Mayan aristocracy. In her hands she clutches a curious doll, perhaps a jointed puppet. This may indicate her desire to have a child of her own. By blowing into the whistle, the votary may have wished to attract the attention of the goddess. As we listen to that melancholy sound today, we are transported back to a forgotten world.