Origin of Man
This green jade artwork represents the worldviews and spiritual traditions of the creation of the world, inspired by the stories of the Popol Vuh. In particular, it reflects the adventures of the twin gods Hunahpú and Ixbalanqué, heroes of the creation of the earth. Through their challenges, the twins established the balance between heaven and earth, and between the gods and humans. The green jade, a symbol of vitality and fertility, is used here to capture the essence of these creator gods and their relationship with nature.
Artist: VICENTE XILOJ LÓPEZ
Born in the town of El Palmar, in the department of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, Vicente Xiloj is the sixth of ten siblings, son of Vicente Xiloj Alvarez and Casimira Lopez. He studied up to sixth grade and started working at 13 on cardamom, macadamia, and coffee farms. While working as a security guard for Jade Maya, his good performance led the Ridinger family to transfer him to Casa Las Victorias as a private driver. They provided him with tools to develop his talent, and his first jade carving was a mint green elephant. From 1991 to 1996, Vicente created important sculptures such as ceremonial knives, owls, and frogs. In 1996, he began carving masks, developing techniques for both solid and mosaic-style masks.
