I recently completed a new mural at the Mayahuel Tequila Museo in Downtown Sacramento. This piece depicts the Aztec goddess Mayahuel, bringing ancient indigenous symbolism to the urban landscape of K Street.
The Symbolism: Decoding Mayahuel
This mural is not merely a portrait; it is a visual narrative of Aztec cosmology and the life cycle of the agave plant. By placing these symbols in the heart of downtown Sacramento, I am reclaiming a space for indigenous history within our modern urban environment.
The Goddess Mayahuel
At the center is Mayahuel, the Aztec goddess associated with the maguey plant (agave) and fertility. She is the mother of the Centzon Totochtin (the 400 Rabbits), the divine protectors of the spirit. In this piece, I portrayed her not just as a figure of myth, but as a living presence watching over the city.
The Crown of Ometochtli
Resting atop her head is the symbol of Ometochtli (Two Rabbit). In Aztec culture, Ometochtli is the lead god of the 400 Rabbits and represents the essence of pulque—the sacred fermented drink of the agave. The crown serves as a link between the plant’s physical form and the altered states of consciousness it provides.
The Abstract Agave Headdress
Rather than a traditional crown, I designed a headdress of abstract agave leaves. This serves a dual purpose: it grounds the goddess in her botanical origins while using modern geometric lines to bridge the gap between ancient codices and contemporary street art styles.
The Expired Agave Flower
On her chest lies perhaps the most significant symbol: the expired agave flower. In nature, an agave plant grows for years, blooms once in a magnificent display of life, and then dies. This “death” is necessary for the plant to pass on its energy. By placing this on her chest, I wanted to highlight the sacred cycle of sacrifice and the beauty that remains after a cycle has ended
Looking for a custom mural in Sacramento? Contact me for a consultation. Email me at 2hermanodesign@gmail.com.