Designed and crafted by our master jeweler Armando Nava, this piece participated in the 87th National Silversmithing Competition in the “New Trends” category and was awarded the “Flor de Cuetlaxóchitl” medal, a distinction awarded by the Society of Friends of the National Silversmithing Museum in Taxco AC, awarding the best piece in the competition that uses the Cuetlaxóchitl flower as inspiration.
The Totomochtli necklace is a work that celebrates the cultural richness of Mexico and the sacred value of corn in history and national identity. This necklace is a tribute to the tradition and spirituality of pre-Hispanic peoples, who considered corn a gift from the gods and the sustenance of life.
The philosopher Immanuel Kant argued that “beauty is the form of purpose” (Critique of Judgment, 1790). The Totomochtli necklace is an example of this beauty, as its shape and design reflect the purpose of celebrating Mexican culture and its connection to nature.
The design is totally inspired by organic shapes, 5 leaves on each side make up the body of the necklace, in the center the leaves come together to form a six-petal Cuetlaxochitl flower crowned with a Golden Topaz. Each leaf is built on a silver frame and in its center is a dried corn leaf, creating a perfect contrast between the modernity of metal and the rusticity of nature.
The dried corn leaves that make up the necklace evoke fertility, abundance and prosperity, values that have been fundamental in Mexican culture since ancient times.
Throughout the centuries, corn has been a key element in Mexico's economy, politics, and spirituality. This piece reminds us of the importance of preserving our roots and honoring our ancestors.
Mexico produces more than 27 million tons of corn per year, and is the seventh largest producer of this grain worldwide. The use of natural materials in jewelry, such as dried corn leaves, is a way to promote sustainability, uniqueness, connection with nature, aesthetics and culture.
“We are grains of corn from the same cob, we are a single root from the same path.” Otomi poem by Thaayrohyadi.
More than jewelry, it is art.