EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Speech Scrolls of the Pre-Columbians

Frescoes of jaguar (top) and parrot (bottom) showing speech scrolls
Teotihuacan, Mexico

Explanation:  We are exploring one of the many dark underground tunnels and chambers of the ancient pre-Columbian archeological site of Teotihuacan northeast of modern Mexico City.

In the dim beam of our fading flashlight, we come upon these wonderful remnant frescoes.  But what are we seeing?  A jaguar, a parrot ... but with speech scrolls emanating from their mouths, as if they are conferring knowledge and wisdom.

Speech scrolls -- also called banderoles in Western art history -- are common attributes of the artwork of many ancient and early historic cultures.  They typically are used to denote important stories and information being conveyed by authoritative people.  

However, here the knowledge is shown deriving from animals, perhaps conveying their power and significance in myth and cultural lore of this ancient and lost civilization.  

Who did this?  The builders of Teotihuacan itself may have been one of several ancient Mesoamerican cultures, or perhaps a multi-ethnic blend of cultures.  

Speech scrolls were used in artwork of the ancient Mesoamerican Olmecs, Mayans, Mixtecs, and Aztecs.  

Whatever the origin, perhaps we can heed this ancient wisdom and listen to the knowledge and lessons offered by the wild creatures around us, if only we can better learn to listen with care.  

Addendum:  I took these photos during a visit in 1980, and can only hope that these and other frescoes of the site are still preserved as well today.