Trees of Life (Arbol De Vida)
Metepec in Mexico is particularly renowned for making painted terracotta Trees of Life . However trees of life are made all over Mexico , each region having it's own distinctive styleTrees of life are present in all civilisations. They represent fertility, a motif for religions, philosophy: a concept for interconnectedness on our planet.In Christain art Trees of Life represent earthly paradise, the garden of Eden and the forbidden fruit.
Following the Spanish invasion of Mexico ,500 years ago, Mexican art has become a hybrid art embracing several cultures. The Spanish introduced a Christian take on Moorish styles and traditions. The indigeneous contribution can be seen in a preference for strong colours, the abstracted figures and the syncretism of Aztec and Mayan Gods into Christain Art.
The Mexican Trees of Life traditionally represent the myth of Adam and Eves banishment from Earth but interpreted through indigenous religious beliefs . They also represent Earth’s fertility , which involves dying to be reborn. The tree form is now used to depict many different stories including trees of death .
Milagros has an ever changing collection of trees of life made from tin, iron and clay , from various regions of Mexico and by different artists in those regions.
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