I worked hours each day for over a month, trying to finish the neo-Aztec cuna in time for my son’s first-born. I found few images of what it could look like. Few because the Spaniards burned almost all the native libraries and codices in Mexico. Imagine if they had conquered Greece.
I had parameters: as natural as possible, no metal [screws, nails], no chemicals [did use wood glue], no toxic paints or finishes.
I did well on the final materials, mostly leftovers: black walnut salvaged from a mill in E. Iowa for the head and footboard and the two rockers; Ipe wood that broke some saw blades and drill bits, salvaged from a salvage company; leftover cedar from various projects; hemp that I bought new; and raw unpolished turquoise nuggets from a Rocky Mt. mine.
Halfway through the project, I began wondering what if there was a story of an Abuelo like me doing this, but he was being helped by 12 yr. old Aztec nagual companion spirits. And as I joined and sawed and sanded, the story began fleshing out.
The twin naturals were so much fun, I revised my novel Death Song to include jaguar and eagle naguales that played supporting roles to the heroes Miguel and Maritza.
[to be continued]