#ozomahtli

bMonkeys are animals associated with cacao and chocolate, and their relation was possibly expressed through a creation story that has been unfortunately lost to time. Depictions of this narrative, however, were preserved.

Since they are related to light-heartedness and sex, monkeys are linked to the aphrodisiac characteristics of cacao and chocolate. They are also nahualtin or spirit animals of Quetzalcoatl, Lord of Creation, who taught agriculture, writing and preparation of maize and cacao to the first humans.

This painting is part of a series of designs I made for a set of ceremonial chocolate vessels. It will be on display at my upcoming show at Art Bug Gallery in Los Angeles!