Danza de los Quetzales
Carlos Mérida; F.A.R. Publishers Ltd.
Description
Subject Matter:
This is one of a series of ten prints that depict the traditional dances of México. Mérida was the co-founder of the dance school for the Secretariat of Education (Escuela de la Danza de la Secretaría de Educación Pública), which worked to preserve the native dances of the region. In addition to this set, at this time, he produced a number of series that cataloged the popular arts and industries of Mexico and his native Guatemala.
The dance depicted in this print has pre-Columbian origins. Believed to be originally a dance to honor the sun, thunder and rain gods, the costumes are markers of importance. The now-extinct Q'a bird was used to create the elaborate headdresses because of the birds' vibrant plumage.
Physical Description:
Centered on the page of this print are two figures. They are dressed in white shirts, with red capes over their left sholders and matching pants, both trimmed in blue. Both figures are also wearing red cone-shaped headdresses that have a large circular decoration attached with red and blue concentric circles. Both figures are faceless and have black hair. The figures hold black round objects. They are depicted in movement.
Usage Rights:
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