LACANDON INDIANS IN THE HOUSE OF QUETZAL digital manipulation by Michael Forbus THE HOUSE OF QUETZAL copyright by Miguel Forbus Thirty years ago, as I was exploring the ruins of the Maya, a brujo in Palenque told me of a tribe of true Maya who still lived the natural life in San Cristobal de los Casas close to the border of Guatamala. Although still rustic and secluded, I decided to visit the village. It took me three days on burro with some supplies I took to offer the tribe. Some cookware, tobacco, coffee, salt and sugar, large bags. After an ardous trip, I reached the village. Some were very shy about my blonde hair, called me Guero and my blue eyes. I told them who had sent me and my guide passed the gifts out to the right people. I was given a palapa and a hammock and took a long dip in the cold stream and then a nap. When I awoke, they were many children looking in my door watching me wake. They brought me some cane liquor and we drank until I thought I could speak Mayan. At least I understood some of the stories. The woman had the feathers of the Quetzal in their long hair as well as some of the men. The villagers were so kind and gracious. They kept touching my skin and my hair and my beard. In the night I kept hearing a growling in the rainforest. The head of the village told me it was a Jaguar telling me to stay in the circle. One young man was very special. He could wave his hand and tiny blue stars would flow from his hand. He was the greatest hunter and the next generation to become the brujo. He took me on a long walk and plucked medicinal herbs and showed me wild orchids in the trees and showed me where the Jaguar slept. I stayed until the burros had to be returned. But even now, I dream of the Rsplendent Quetzal and the growl of the Jaguar. That growl has saved me many times. I always found the circle and stayed in it when I felt danger and heard the low gutteral growl. It is a great thing to have a thing to listen to, a thing that warns you of ill action and dangerous people around you. I have used it many times. I pray to the Quetzal to carry me into the tallest trees that I might see above the canopy and hear the lovely song that still soothes me and tells me the story of the Maya and the young brujo who could wave his hand and tiny blue stars would manifest. copyright by Miguel Forbus
27 Comments
Fahrettin Oktay 01 Aug 2008
Wonderful work. I'm really love it...Rebecca Olson 30 Nov 2007
This is really beautiful. What a story.Minnie Shuler 20 Nov 2007
I love this story and the art. Just unique and penetrating.Nira Dabush 18 Nov 2007
Spiritual and totally UNIQUE artwork,Michal...dream feel..Just fantastic!!Melanie Lamprill 21 Oct 2007
what a wonderful story, it was a pleasure to read. Beautiful image...Jeanie Chadwick 20 Oct 2007
wow, beautiful and very thought-provoking Michael.Leah Jaarveth 27 Feb 2007
fantastic....Amy Jordan 22 Feb 2007
you are truly gifted....Tom and Susan Repasky 21 Feb 2007
That is a most excellent narrative Miguel, which puts me in mind of Don Juan, the one of Castaneda fame!! The image perfectly depicts the feeling of magick! In the words of Carlos Castaneda, "The basic difference between an ordinary man and a warrior is that a warrior takes everything as a challenge while an ordinary man takes everything either as a blessing or a curse"!! Excellent work!! ~SAnonymous Guest 14 Feb 2007
Great lesson in that story...Pat LevineLynn De Serres 13 Feb 2007
As always, this is magnificent artwork and splendid style. Wonderful accompanied story.jamie winter 13 Feb 2007
Unbelievable story wow. Great art. I think this is a favorite beyond a ten and a pic of the day. jamieBrenda Loveless 12 Feb 2007
what a remarkable world you unwrapped with the story along with the powerful painting; glorious visions, MiguelCarrie Ann Watson 12 Feb 2007
What a beautiful story Miguel! Gorgeous work on her, so magical! :)BySilent 11 Feb 2007
Excellent treatmentcynthia berridge 11 Feb 2007
I agree with Lauren awesome story and artLauren Munger 11 Feb 2007
Miguel, once again your words and art astound me. I feel like a child coming to the circle for story time from an ancient elder....you create magic!!thea walstra 11 Feb 2007
Very beautiful and well executed work MiguelSarah Rees 11 Feb 2007
Beautiful work and love the story tooCindy Luke 10 Feb 2007
This is stunning and you are a great story tellerJerry 10 Feb 2007
Outstanding colors and style!Ruth Kauffman 10 Feb 2007
Magnificent and awesome work, Miguel!!! Thank you so much for telling the story about your amazing trip! You are one brave "dude"!! LOLJoanna Jungjohann 10 Feb 2007
amazing michael, you are brilliant artist!Robin Brown 10 Feb 2007
Its impossible to look at this portfolio & find an image that fails to inspire & impress. Many years from now these images will receive the same accolades as the great masters from our past do today.Emily Reed 10 Feb 2007
How wonderful ! Super! Marvelous job! Bravo!Patty Day 10 Feb 2007
Beautifully done, awesome colors!!Sara Deutsch 10 Feb 2007
I love your expressive style and glowing colors..the frame creates a window into a magical timeless world...