Figure Item Number: 3565/24 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Amate (amatl) paper cutout figure. Detailed two-headed bird with two birds on head, and two small human figures at sides of head. Cut from beige handmade paper while folded in half vertically, so both sides are mirror-images.
These paper figures represent nzahki, which in the Otomi language means the living force of all beings in this and other worlds. They are traditionally used in healing and agricultural rituals.
Purchased by the donor in San Pablito in 1996.
Figures represent the vital life force of beings both human, animal, plant and supernatural.