El retorno de Quetzalcóatl Mural

Gazing upon El retorno de Quetzalcόatl, one can almost hear the whispers of ancient civilizations. This mural, created in 1952 by José Chávez Morado, is more than just a work of art. It’s a vibrant tapestry of history and symbolism. El retorno de Quetzalcόatl graces the exterior of what was once the main auditorium of the UNAM Faculty of Sciences. Now, the building houses the Postgraduate Department of the Faculty of Architecture and the Center for Industrial Design Research. Measuring 12 by 4.5 meters, the mural is made of shimmering glass mosaic tiles. Chávez Morado depicts Quetzalcoatl as a feathered serpent forming a boat. Seven figures ride atop this serpentine vessel, representing the world’s primal civilizations. These include Mesoamerica, Greece, and Islam. El retorno de Quetzalcόatl is not a standalone piece. It is part of a triad of murals created by Chávez Morado for the burgeoning UNAM campus. The murals were designed with a focus on “plastic integration,” harmonizing with the surrounding architecture. Originally, El retorno de Quetzalcόatl was positioned to face a reflecting pool. This created an illusion of the serpent boat navigating the waters, enhancing the artwork’s mythical quality. The mural underwent restoration in 2013, ensuring its vibrant colors and intricate details continue to captivate viewers. The symbolism deepens as we observe the figures on the boat. A pyramid, pierced by a sword and spears, stands to the left. This poignant image represents the Spanish Conquest of the Americas. The central figure, a nude man wearing an Ehecatl mask, commands attention. Ehecatl, the wind god of Mesoamerican cultures, is another manifestation of Quetzalcoatl. El retorno de Quetzalcόatl invites us to reflect on the cyclical nature of history and the enduring power of cultural exchange. The return of Quetzalcoatl symbolizes the resurgence of pre-Hispanic culture, enriched by the knowledge of other ancient civilizations.