A Silent Watcher: Zapotec Art at Hotel Xcaret Arte

A sculpture that does more than decorate— it protects, connects, and honors the ancestral art of Oaxaca.

Hotel Xcaret Arte has established itself as a space where architecture, hospitality, and art come together to celebrate the cultural richness of Mexico. Beyond its stunning design and high-end culinary offerings, the hotel is home to a permanent collection of carefully curated artworks. One of them, placed near one of the main entrances, captures attention with its powerful presence: the Guardian by Jacobo and María Ángeles.

This sculpture doesn’t just draw attention because of its size or visual impact—it tells a story. It is part of a sculptural collection created by the renowned Zapotec artists Jacobo and María Ángeles, from San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca. These artists have represented Oaxacan art in exhibitions around the world, from New York to the United Arab Emirates. Their pieces blend ancestral tradition with deep symbolism, inviting contemplation.

A Living Worldview

Jacobo and María Ángeles have dedicated their lives to preserving Zapotec heritage through art. Their workshop in San Martín Tilcajete has become a space for experimentation and preservation, where dozens of artisans collaborate to create pieces that speak—literally—the language of the gods.

The Guardians are the evolution of traditional alebrijes brought to monumental scale. Each div represents a power animal with a specific symbolic charge: jaguars, eagles, snakes, and other beings of strength transformed into protectors of space. The Guardian at Hotel Xcaret Arte stands tall, with a steady gaze and a body covered in Zapotec symbols that, like ancient codices, convey key ideas of this worldview.

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The Hidden Language in Every Mark

One of the most captivating aspects of this piece is its visual language. Far from being mere decoration, the painted glyphs are inspired by Zapotec symbols that express profound ideas about life, death, time, and nature.

These designs are painted using traditional techniques with natural pigments derived from elements like indigo, charcoal, purple snail, and cochineal. This not only ensures the authenticity of the work but reinforces the artists' commitment to sustainability and their deep connection to the land.

A contemporany Message with Ancient Roots

Beyond ancestral symbolism, this sculpture also speaks to modern themes. In interviews and official materials, Jacobo and María Ángeles explain that the collection was born as a response to the migratory context and the need for divs that protect those who travel in search of a better future. In this way, their sculptures become voices for those who cannot always tell their own stories.

Placing one of these Guardians in the heart of Hotel Xcaret Arte not only enhances the space—it amplifies this message. With its commitment to promoting Mexican art, the hotel builds a bridge between visitors from around the world and the country’s deepest traditions. The presence of this sculpture invites people to pause, observe, reflect… and above all, to recognize the richness of a living legacy.

An Unexpected Encounter

For those arriving at Hotel Xcaret Arte unaware of the Guardian near its entrance, the meeting can feel almost ceremonial. Its imposing div, vibrant colors, steady gaze, and body filled with ancestral symbols invite stillness and attention.

And in observing—it transforms. Because this Guardian does more than protect the hotel and its guests. It awakens memory, stirs questions, and above all—connects. It connects the traveler to art, to history, and to themselves.

Staying at Hotel Xcaret Arte is an immersion into an aesthetic and spiritual universe. Encountering the Guardian by Jacobo and María Ángeles is, without a doubt, one of its most unforgettable moments.

Mexican folk art is as diverse as it is powerful. From vibrant alebrijes and Otomí embroidery to the striking Tastoanes masks, each piece tells a story woven with identity, symbolism, and tradition. If this work inspired you, dive into the rich world of Mexican craftsmanship through this unmissable visual journey.

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