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Dance of the Flyers or Pole Flying, Mexico
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Dance of the Flyers or Pole Flying, Mexico
Dance of the Flyers (Danza de los Voladores) or Pole Flying (Palo Volador), ancient Mesoamerican ceremony. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Luigi Giarre from Giulio Ferrarios Ancient and Modern Costumes of all the Peoples of the World, Florence, Italy, 1843
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Media ID 23172638
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Ceremony Danza Ferrario Flyers Giulio Mesoamerica Mexico Palo Pole Ritual Totonac
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This hand-colored copperplate engraving, created by Luigi Giarre for Giulio Ferrario's "Ancient and Modern Costumes of all the Peoples of the World," published in Florence, Italy in 1843, depicts an intriguing ancient Mesoamerican ceremony known as the Dance of the Flyers or Pole Flying (Danza de los Voladores or Palo Volador). The ritual, deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Totonac people of Mexico, is believed to have been practiced for centuries to ensure the continuity of life and the prosperity of crops. The ceremony is characterized by five participants, each balancing at the ends of five ropes attached to a tall pole. In the image, the dancers, dressed in traditional attire, are shown in a suspended position, their bodies forming a star shape, as they spin around the pole. The dance is said to mimic the flight of the condor, a bird revered in Mesoamerican cultures for its freedom and strength. The Dance of the Flyers was not only a spiritual performance but also a social event, bringing together communities to celebrate their connection to the natural world and to honor their ancestors. The intricate details of the engraving, from the textures of the dancers' clothing to the intricately carved pole, offer a glimpse into the vibrant and complex history of Mesoamerican rituals and traditions. This illustration serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that continues to influence and inspire us today, and the enduring power of art to transport us to another time and place.
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