Taap neas: four paths

Size: 60x100cm 2x3ft

Master weaver: Justino Martínez Mendoza

Materials and methods: Jute yarns hand dyed with Beæ (Cochineal/Dactylopius coccus costa). 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.

Design, patterns and symbols.

The central pattern in this rug is the Macuilxochitl (five petal flower), also known as Quincunce in Spanish, which translates as the five pointed cross. In Zapotec we can call it Guieajai, and it represents the unfolding of consciousness into five layers.  This central pattern is surrounded by four the spiralled cycles of life, the life of a warrior. When we stop fearing death abd we embrace it as part of life, we become warriors of the flowered path, our only "weapons" are flowers, song and dance, we know we are going to loose this battle of life but we face it with a smile and embrace death for a joyful dance. The meaning of the battle is an inner battle to face our unconsciuos, our fears, anxieties and traumas and to shower them with flowers, song and dance. By the flowered path we mean the enlightened path that finds beauty and harmony in everything that we do.

The venus sign is the half diamond sets that makes the stripes at the begining and ending of the rug, this star represents Quetzal coatl's awareness, a life of balance between heaven and earth's energies.