The Metaphor of “The Flayed One” PODCAST
Whitehouse 2014
As seasons come and pass, there are always events to look towards in which one would like to create a costume. The classic and normal fear, of the unknown, what you don’t understand. Things tend not to be what they appear, especially when moving from one cultural background to another. While spending a summer in Mexico our university group was shown a statue of The Flayed One in the La Venta field museum. The ultimate costumed crusader, the god Xipe Tótec.
Xipe Tótec: The Flayed God Revealed in Art
In the realm of ancient Mesoamerican mythology, Xipe Tótec stands out as a compelling figure with layers of symbolism waiting to be unravelled. Adorned in the flayed skin of a sacrificial victim, this deity embodies a profound metaphor of transformation and renewal.
Through intricate carvings, vibrant murals, and ornate ceramics, artists of the past captured the essence of Xipe Tótec's cyclical nature. Just as the god sheds his skin to reveal a fresh layer beneath, so too does the art surrounding him invite viewers to contemplate themes of sacrifice, rebirth, and the eternal cycle of life and death. Like most of the deities in the Mesoamerican world, Xipe Tótec’s appearance challenges us to reflect on our capacity for growth and renewal, encouraging us to peel back the layers of our own existence to reveal the beauty and potential within.
Today, in a world where the echoes of ancient beliefs still resonate, the imagery of Xipe Tótec continues to serve as a potent metaphor. Through the art inspired by Xipe Tótec, we are reminded that transformation is not always easy or pretty, but it is a necessary step towards embracing our true selves and evolving into beings of resilience and grace.
Random Fact:
In ancient Egypt, all ships visiting Alexandria were obliged to surrender their books to the Royal Library and be copied.
The original would be kept in the library and the copy given back to the owner.
Send in a random fact for a shoutout!
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Music:
'Bring Me The Sky' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
'In Search Of Solitude' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
'Phase Shift' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
'The Long Dark' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
