No, I mean art on the back of a semi-truck parked on the street in nearby Etla.
This painting depicts the legend of Donaji, one of the most import Oaxacan characters and whose story is reenacted each year at the Guelaguetza festival.
Her story from Oaxacan Times
A popular legend tells us that Princess Donají was the daughter of King Cosijoeza, the last King of the Zapotec civilization. During that time there were endless battles between Mixtecs and Zapotecs. Donaji is said to have mended the wounds of enemy prisoners, even releasing them once they had healed. In one of these battles, the Princess was taken as a pledge of peace and in case the Zapotecs didn´t keep their word, she would die in the hands of the Mixtecs.Update: Lani corrects me : I own a painting very similar to this. As far as all the Mexicans I know, they associate it with the two volcanos in Mexico City and an Aztec legend. Google images regarding The Legend of Popocatepetl & Iztaccíhuatl.
One night after the peace offering was made, Zapotec warriors burst in the Mixtec territory, and when the Mixtecs realized they had been betrayed, they killed Donají immediately. The Zapotecs bitterly grieved the loss of their admired princess.
Many years had passed when a humble shepherd who was walking close to Atoyac River saw a beautiful lily flower. He did not hesitate to make it his own, and decided to take it from its roots. As he dug, he made an astonishing discovery: the lily flower was attached to an ear of a fresh and beautiful face - the face of Princess Donají´s. Nowadays, her innocent and pretty face is represented on the coat of arms of Oaxaca City.
2 comments:
I own a painting very similar to this. As far as all the Mexicans I know, they associate it with the two volcanos in Mexico City and an Aztec legend. Google images regarding The Legend of Popocatepetl & Iztaccíhuatl.
Oops! I think you are right.... but I guess I just had to put a Oaxacan spin on it!
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