Ixiptla Volume V Amarantus by Mariana Castillo Deball

The title Amarantus originates from the Greek word "aμάρανθος," meaning a flower that never wilts. This resilient bloom symbolizes the enduring relevance of the “uncomfortable objects” that Mariana Castillo Deball brings to light through her artistic explorations. Drawing from indigenous Mexican traditions, where amaranth is used to craft ritual figures known as ixiptlahuan, the plant serves as a metaphor for historical narratives that persist and resonate today.

Since her early works, Castillo Deball has examined how chance—shaped by time, erosion, fragmentation, and human action—influences how we understand the past. Her projects investigate the histories of artifacts, tracing their journeys of discovery, appropriation, and loss. Inspired by archaeological methods, her artistic process reflects the Nahua concept of ixiptla, meaning representation, image, or even skin—a recurring theme in her work.

This publication features key collaborations with scholars, poets, and cultural organizations. Contributions include insights from Tatiana Falcón on The Painter’s Garden, Cooperación Comunitaria on The Double Life of the Azoyú Codex, and Diana Magaloni’s reflections on In Tilli in Tlapalli. Poetic contributions from Hubert Matiúwàa and texts by Barbara Mundy, Jennifer Reynolds-Kaye, Catalina Lozano, Yásnaya Elena, and Emiliano Monge further enrich the book. Together, they create a multidisciplinary tapestry that deepens our understanding of Castillo Deball’s artistic investigations into memory, history, and cultural identity.