ancient maya

Memories from ancestors offer a glimpse of the Mayan grandeur. Oil and liquid glass allow Guatemalan artist Carolina Cabrera to capture the country's pride in the ancient Maya world, paying homage to her heritage. The artist adds a symbolic message through the diverse elements composing this expressionist painting. The man at the center represents Guatemala's people, whereas the fuming candles appear to create a symphony of colors that depict the Maya's cultural richness.

The piece, titled Ritual Maya in Spanish, arrives signed and stretched.

The sacred birds of the ancient Maya culture, quetzals are national symbols for the Guatemalan people as they unite the country in a common sentiment of pride for those glorious pre-Columbian days. As an homage to quetzals, artisan Ricardo González creates an adorable acrylic and oil painting depicting the little creature in all its beauty.

The work, titled Ave Nacional in Spanish, comes signed and stretched, ready to add a little piece of Guatemala to your home decor.

"I depict a fearless jaguar against a starry sky. This is one of the most beautiful animals that exist — strong, powerful, with a profound gaze," Marina Pallares confides. Working in black and white, she creates a small-scale linoleum block print. The feline held a special place in many Mesoamerican cultures. A resident of the Yucatan peninsula, the small spotted cat was venerated by the ancient Maya, who called it Balam. The renowned Aztec Jaguar warriors, an elite infantry comprised of pre-Hispanic noblemen, wore helmets in the shape of the jaguar, or oceotl. And the Olmec "were-jaguar" — half human, half cat — is a recurrent theme in their art.

The Tikal temple, once the center of the Maya's world and traditions, remains as glorious and magnificent as the ancient civilization that built it. Exuding an enigmatic and majestic vibe, the temple is depicted by Boni in this oil on canvas impressionist composition, made as an homage to Guatemala's mysterious landscapes and ancient grandeur.

Titled Ruinas de Tikal in Spanish, the piece arrives signed and stretched.

Working with the ancient woodcut printing technique, dating back to the 7th century in China, Guatemala's Spencer Samayoa honors the divine nature of the jaguar, a symbol of Central America. "This image represents the great power that the jaguar has in the Mayan worldview, and the wings represent freedom," explains the artist while bringing the artwork to life by hand.

This gorgeous piece comes stretched.