Tanate of Memory

Tanate of Memory by David Ordoñez Lacayo is a poetic sculpture that blends indigenous craftsmanship with deeply personal storytelling. At its core is a hand-formed bundle wrapped in richly colored Mayan textile, shaped like a traditional tanate — a fabric-wrapped load carried on one’s back, symbolizing the burdens and treasures of life. Tied around the cloth are delicately sculpted polychrome birds, each perched in stillness as if guarding the stories hidden within
This piece is part of Ordoñez Lacayo’s Feelings and Attachments series, where each element — from the carved base to the color-coded threads — carries layers of cultural reference and human emotion. The contrast between the soft, woven body and the glossy ceramic birds adds texture and depth, creating a sculpture that feels both intimate and monumental.