open ring

Robert Kofi Ellis designs an extraordinary version of the legendary fertility doll of Akan origin. Called Akuaba, the doll is characterized by a big round head, very short neck, open arms and a long lean body. Carved of sese wood, the sculpture is adorned with aluminum plates on the head and breasts, as well as painted red lips, eyelids and accents on her headdress.

According to legend, there once was a woman who couldn't conceive, so the village priest told her to craft a doll, dress it and look after it as she would a child. Soon she'd have a child of her own. Custom persists and many women prepare their own Akuaba doll, and when the child is born, Akuaba is given as the baby's first toy.

"Mayahuel was said to have over 400 breasts, that's why the Mexica gods transformed her into a maguey plant. She is usually portrayed with full breasts and opened legs, as if giving birth," say artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association as they explain the rich symbolism of this ceramic sculpture. A piece inspired by the Laud Codex (1325-1521), this sculpture portrays Mayahuel as a mother as well as goddess of fertility who fed her children with the fermented juice of the maguey - known as pulque.

A woman carrying a honey jug hides in her garments and accessories the history of the Javanese region. Artisan Sarono works with resin to create this sublime homage to his heritage, portraying a woman whose regal aura opens a window to the past. Green, black and golden hues unite in the sculpture's antiqued finish, enhancing each intricate detail.

A faceless woman meditates as she sits on an open book. Working with the linoleum block print technique, Marina Pallares explores her global vision for world peace. The artist explains that the butterfly alighting on the corner of the book symbolizes the transformation of a being who dragged herself along the ground, but transforms into a winged creature that will take flight. Gentle doves are released from her bowed head.

"This print arose from my vision of world peace," the Mexican artist comments. "It's very similar to my ideas about ecology. Everything begins with the individual person with a global vision. That is, when we find our own inner peace, it's inevitable that we'll project it to everyone around us.

"Meditation is one of the simplest ways to gain access to our inner being. It gives us a sense of union with everything and helps us remain in the present. Meditation and education make us more conscious.

"Peace begins in oneself, on the basis of self-knowledge, self-love and education, making ourselves one hundred percent responsible for our own lives."

Titled "La paz comienza por casa" in Spanish.