Luis Pablo: Impressive Pre-Columbian Jaguar

Impressive one-piece pre-Columbian jaguar created by top Oaxaca artist Luis Pablo. This sculpture is inspired by an ancient Zapotec figure that dates back to 400 A.D. The jaguar in Mesoamerica was considered the ruler of the underworld, a spirit guardian which protected humans from the evil of both the earth and the underworld. Mesoamerican cultures used bright colors to decorate their art, architecture, clothes, so this very special woodcarving reflects their preference. Colors also had unique symbolism, for example, the blue-green color signified the concept of the underworld, earth, and heaven. The red color represented life itself, and the names used to identify red meant "the light", or "the star of light". This a spectacular meaningful work of art.