This year has been busy for all of us. Though I have to say we are all here.
That
being said a little history for those that were interested in the
"Mayan Calendar of Doom". Believe it or not it was something to do with
potters and artisans of all sorts. And is of interest for many art
historians in how something that was once made as Art has effected so
many lives a few thousand years later.
First one must
Understand that the culture that created this object was called Mexica
(Ma-Shee_ka) a name that has lasted through to Mexico today. A branch of
the Aztec's as they all migrated from an Island Nation Historically
called Aztlán. The Migration was all of the Aztec Culture, many Settling first in a location known as Tenochtitlan (Modern Day Mexico City Area), while others Continued on to found the Mayan culture.
Later
many people from a nearby dieing nation if artisans moved into the City
of Tenochtitlan bringing with it much art, Pottery, and Skill. All this
Brought an art revolution that included carvings of gods and and
goddesses and the Sun Stone (Called Mayan Calendar).
This
Calender decided time into 18 month 365 day years, and 52 year
centuries. There were ceremonies of rebirth and rejuvenation at the end
of each cycle, accumulating with the end of Century (end of Calendar)
with a ritualistic sacrifice of all of their earthly goods to the gods
in a 12 day New Fire Ritual. They would put out ritual fires for 12
days, break of their pottery, furniture and more and morn the loss of
the century, praying for a new one to begin. These 12 days were the 12
extra days now accounted for in the modern calender with leap year.
Once
this ceremony was over they the fires would be re-lit, and the artisans
would begin creating a new Era of beautiful art and goods for the
people to have and use. This was a time of rebirth, rejuvenation and
Creation. This being said we will be coming out of that day of
re-lighting on Jan 1st. I for one will be making it my goal to be like
those potters and artisans all those years ago. I will not think of the
century that has passed with more then fondness. I will instead use the
new calendar mark to create, build and make new all that has been
distressed in the past.
The
public may have been wrong about the the culture that made the
"Prophecy", the name of the item in question, and even it's meaning.
However they did express the importance that it had on the lives of
people so long ago. It pointed out that true craftsmanship can last and
effect people long after then hands of the craftier are gone. After-all
is that not what we all want out of our art? For it to affect others and
leave a stamp in time?
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