Goddesses and Women of Mexico
Ixchel
 Moon
goddess Ixchel has, in Mayan mythology,
both benign and fierce aspects.
The artist here depicts her
with elaborate carvings on the upper part of her body, and cradled
in her arms is a Yogul - the prize awarded
the winners of the Sacred Mayan ball game.
She wears the headdress of
the Serpent, symbol of eternal life. Her tiny feet,
deformed by restricting, heeled shoes worn by Mayan women of certain
rank, are shod in elaborately-carved huaraches
that reach over her ankles.
 Ixchel is the protector of
weavers and women in childbirth.
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