Giant Itzaes Sculptural Bookends
by Alejandro Grande
2021, Mexico
Peach hand-carved solid quarry rock
Itzaes is the name given to the Mayan founders of Chichén Itzá. They were also known as sorcerers, possessors of wisdom, transmitters of matter, and protectors of the secrets of water.
Inspired by the cerebral strength attributed to this Mesoamerican population, the organic form of the piece stimulates the brain, stemming from its physical properties: the concave and convex symbolize the duality of thought and existence, the balance between masculine and feminine, and day and night.
Alejandro’s sculptural bookends are meant to protect books and the images and ideas they contain within them.