Seals of Anawak: warrior

Size: 80x150cm; 2.6ft by 5ft

Master Weaver: Guillermo Martínez

Price: 420USD 

Materials and methods: criollo sheep wool spun in the mills of Tianguistengo. Wool and chicken feathers hand dyed with color fast aniline dyes using an exhaustive method. Handwoven on a Zapotec style loom of the 16th century adapted from European styles. Woven using a 7 threads per inch reed and wool rayon blend for warp.

Desgin, patterns and symbols.

This rug starts with the fletching of an arrow to teach us the power of intent in order to create the reality that we percieve. When we accept death not as something that we fear but rather as a great advisor and friend that reminds us of this one precious life that we have, then the mind quiets in its internal dialogue and the swinging about worrying about the future or regreting the past stops. Paradoxically, it is when we accept death as part of the intimate fabric of life (warp) then life really flourishes and we can really appreciate every small momment of life, we are truly present. 

The ancient sacred sites called Yu'u dau in Zapotec, or Tollanes in Nahuatl, often with a Zigurat (pyramid) structure where designed to transform regular people into Gods by taking the path of the warrior. This path has been hinted at on the teachings of Don Juan in a series of Books written by Castaneda. This knowledge survives in all the native communities that are still living with the memory of their ancestors in nowadays Mexico, in every little town you will see indigenous people living a life of balance and making the best out of their situation no matter what the current political situation, economic struggle or climate challenge might be influencing them, they walk the earth like true warriors with a smile in their faces and a flourishing hear which you can often see during thier festivals. In those rural and urban communities, no one will refuse you a glass of water if your are thirsty or would share part of their meal if you are hungry, no matter how 'poor' they might be considered by western economic standards. 

The path of the warrior is a series of teachings that lead us to discover our true face and our true hearts. In the ancient Yu'u dau (tollanes) people would learn to grow their foods, to do sacred hunts, long pilgrimages, use plants to heal and dream, make themselves conscious in their dreams, and would put themselves in life and death situations in a controlled way. Suffice it to put as an example the dance of the Eagle performed by the dancers of Papantla, in those long posts.