Toná
Human cultures in the past believed in the existence of a duality between man and nature, in which a person might adopt the attributes, traits, or abilities of an animal with whom they shared a spiritual connection. This isn't unique to Oaxaca. Egyptian, Sioux, Apache, and First Nation peoples of current-day Canada all shared similar beliefs.
Toná was the name the Zapotecs gave to the guardian animal, and it was identified with each individual from the day of their birth. When a child was born, the father drew a circle of lime and mezcal at the house's entrance to learn the child’s toná.
The circle was left overnight, and the scent of it attracted spirits in the form of animals. The father would go outside the next morning and look for the animal's tracks that had been protecting the entrance all night. Throughout the child's existence, the animal that corresponds to those tracks would be the child's protective toná.
Still in existence today is a Zapotec calendar that recognizes 20 tonás which include the jaguar, the eagle, the serpent, the frog, the dog, the hummingbird, the owl, the turtle, the mockingbird, the iguana, the possum, the chameleon, the armadillo, the ram, and many more.
The intimate bond between the Zapotecs and their tonás is more than a simple belief; it's a living tradition that weaves through the fabric of their daily life and spiritual understanding. These guardian animals are not just symbols; they are considered true companions and guides, influencing a person’s life journey and decisions.
In the art of alebrijes, this deep connection is vibrantly brought to life. Alebrijes, though a more recent development in Mexican folk art, have become a medium through which the ancient belief in tonás finds a new expression. Each alebrije, with its fantastical design and vivid colors, is more than just a work of art; it is a modern-day tribute to these spiritual guardians.
Our gallery of tonás and alebrijes showcases the diversity and creativity inherent in this art form. From the majestic jaguar, symbolizing strength and leadership, to the wise owl, a figure of intuition and knowledge, each alebrije is a representation of the attributes and essence of its corresponding toná.
Through these artistic creations, we not only honor the past but also keep the spirit of the Zapotec toná alive in the present. As you explore the gallery, we invite you to reflect on the deep bond between humans and nature that these pieces celebrate, and perhaps, find a connection to a toná that resonates with your spirit.
