I've always been fascinated by pre-columbian cultures, the Inca in particular. While usually the Inca sacrificed guinea pigs to the gods (which is cruel but also kinda funny), when things were really bad they would occasionally sacrifice children. These children were revered as special messengers to the gods, and after being drugged and knocked out, they were left on high mountaintops.
In 1995 the frozen body of an Incan girl was found on a mountaintop in Peru. In this illustration, I'm not trying to glorify child sacrifice, only trying to imagine this girl's last moments from her point of view. Maybe she really did get to see the sun god and intercede for her people. That would make her a hero.
I hope she had a happy ending.
I always love the details in your work, just amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteI love this. I have recently written two novels about pre-columbian culture and when I saw this I got the chills. (I am an unpublished author and in no hurry since I am also a mother of five little ones.) I think this is beautiful, and even though I think putting children up on top of mountains is a little crazy I know other cultures have different ways of serving their gods. Being a God fearing person myself I can respect that. I love how you made the god and the girl's spirit glowing with warmth in the midst of the freezing darkness. Her devoted upturned face says it all. I love this!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment, Chelsea! It feels great when a viewer really "gets" the artwork. :)
DeleteWell, I had to say something. When I saw your artwork and the title of your piece I had to catch my breath because the name of one of my books is The Messenger. Only my character is sacrificed into a cenote and not on a mountaintop. :) Anyway, thanks for commenting back. Now I feel like I know someone famous. :)
Delete