The cities of gold, Zapotec Pre-Hispanic earrings in silver

The Cities of Gold earrings are inspired by the geometric motifs known as meanders, which are found in the art of the pre-Hispanic Zapotec culture. This civilization, which flourished mainly in what is now the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, is renowned for its refined architecture, polychrome ceramics, and exceptional goldsmithing.

The meander motif first appeared during the Classic period (200–900 CE) but became particularly prominent in the Postclassic period (900–1521 CE), just before the Spanish colonization. It was carved into the stone of temples and palaces in Zapotec city-states, especially at Mitla and Yagul, two major sites of this era. These decorative friezes also adorned jewelry and precious objects, as evidenced by the famous treasure of Tomb 7 at Monte Albán. This treasure, considered one of the most significant ever discovered in Mexico, is now displayed at the Museum of Cultures of Santo Domingo in Oaxaca de Juárez. Among the gold and silver artifacts found, many rings and ornaments feature these meander motifs, showcasing the craftsmanship of the time.

We have incorporated one of these motifs into the design of these earrings, as well as into our Ga Yixe ring, whose name means "precious stone" in the Zapotec language.

The exact meaning of these motifs remains uncertain, although many theories have been proposed. Some scholars interpret them as representations of life’s stages, while others see them as a form of symbolic writing or even a sacred language. A recurring theory links them to the serpent, a central figure in Mesoamerican mythology. Among the Zapotecs, the serpent is closely associated with Cocijo, the god of rain and water, equivalent to Tlaloc in Aztec mythology and Chac in Maya beliefs. This connection to water and fertility may explain the omnipresence of these motifs in Zapotec iconography.

To bring softness and originality to these earrings, we shaped a fine silver plate and folded it to create the form of a stylized basket. This unique design gives the piece a subtle movement that gracefully follows each gesture. The outer surface is adorned with a band of pre-Hispanic meanders with curved lines, paying homage to the refined aesthetics of Zapotec culture.

We named these earrings "The Cities of Gold" in reference to the animated series The Mysterious Cities of Gold, which left a lasting impression on many viewers in the 1980s. Through the adventures of Esteban, Tao, and Zia in pre-Columbian America, the series sparked curiosity about the great Mesoamerican civilizations, often accompanied by a short documentary on local cultures. It is undoubtedly thanks to this work that we developed our passion for these ancient civilizations—one that ultimately led us to settle in Mexico, at the very heart of this fascinating history.

Metal: 925 sterling silver

Dimensions: 4 cm long

Pattern width: 1.2 cm

You have the possibility of changing the classical sterling silver eawires by sterling silver clips for non-pierced ears.
See the system on the last photo of the slideshow or on our dedicated page for non-pierced ears.

As we currently dwell in Mexico, provide a period of 3 to 6 weeks to receive your order for free with normal post service. Thank you for taking this information into account before ordering in our shop. At checkout, you will also have the option of choosing an express shipping. (please, read the complete conditions of shipping here).

You have a question? Contact us.

I hope you will love this jewel as much as I enjoyed creating it.

By Emmanuelle Guyon.

Tags : basket, Maya, Zapotec, pre-Hispanic, Mexican, archaeology, Mexico, Oaxaca, city-state, Postclassic, The Mysterious Cities of Gold, Monte Albán, Mitla, Yagul, Aztec, treasure, civilization, water, Tlaloc, Cocijo, Chac, meanders, Mesoamerican, pre-Columbian, symbol, architecture, ceramics, Ga Yixe, history

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