El camino florido

Size:130x200cm; 4.2x6.5ft 

Materials and methods: Criollo sheep wool hand dyed with colorfast aniline dyes using the exhaustive method. Hand woven on a walking Zapotec loom of the 16th century style using a seven threads per inch reed. 

Weaver: Rubén Ruiz

Patterns and symbols: This ancient symbol reminds us that life is expanding in all four directions, each direction has its own character and nature. Our ancient calendar reflected this nature giving each day a different direction. I read an astronomer speculate about this idea being a reflection of the magnetic effects of the sun on earth. We know that the sun's ecuator rotates faster than the north and south poles which creates a dance of magnetic fields that causes the flip of the poles in the south. Well, apparently this magnetic field dance creates a different imprint on solar radiation on earth so in practical terms ine could consider that the sun has four "magnetic poles" and this dance of the four magnetic poles affects life on earth so maybe that is why each day was assigned a different direction in our ancestral calendar in the Anahuac civilization.

The key to life is to balance these pull in the four directions and move on the fifth direction which is the up/down: construction or deconstruction as necessary. Embrace chance and don't be afraid to build a life that is repectful of the energy flows and balances to maintain life's support systems. Don't be affraid to deconstruct whatever doesn't keep the delicate balance of life, our current production and consumption system needs a reality check as we face the issues of climate chaos, ocean acidification, biodiversity loss and a huge inequality of weatlh and community support for human beings. 

The flowered path refers to the ancient way of life that seeks to blooson the human spirit, to live life like a masterful piece of art in harmony with the delicate balance of heaven and earth. This knowledge is known as Toltecayotl and has survived in the way of life of native communities scattered around Cem Anahuac (American Continent).