Spotlight: QUEZTAL

I nearly didn't go at all. I had already delayed the whole thing by several days. 

Being that I was traveling at the time, I didn't even have makeup or hair product available. I also could have used a few months to get in shape. The only comforting thought rested on the fact that I would have complete autonomy over the results of the photo shoot. Even more so, it might be nice to look back on these pictures as I sag and stretch with age -- let's face it, we all get old.

The photographer had an entire vision for the shoot, before he even saw the complete image of what he intended to photograph: 

                                
The Quetzal tattooed on my back. 

Nine hours of pain permanently inked unto my body. A solid representation of my roots and my values. 

HOMAGE AND VALUE

The Quetzal is Guatemala's national bird and is considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world. Its' image is a source of national pride and can be observed on Guatemala's flag, etched into all our souvenirs and even in the currency - the equivalent of 'Dollars' would be 'Quetzales'.  

FREEDOM AND EXTINCTION

Few more will ever be blessed enough to see this bird of paradise fly in all its splendour. With their habitat dissappearing in the very few high altitude environments where they can live, the Quetzal is headed for the endangered species list. Unlikely most every species on that list, human intervention and specialized breeding centres cannot increase the quickly falling numbers. Only protection of their current homes can offer a salvation. 

Why? This bird doesn't just stand for liberty, it requires it! Save for a single exception in recent years, all attempts to raise or breed Quetzales in captivity have ended with the death of the bird pairs. 

Freedom from life behind bars is something we should relate all to. 

MYTHOLOGY AND HONOR

More than just the symbol of a country, the Quetzal was revered as a God to our ancestor. The Mayan peoples considered it sacred and only the most Holy or royal leaders could wear their feathers on their headdress. Myth has it that when the Mayan warrior Tecum Uman, was defeated in battle by the Spaniard Conquistadores, the Quetzal landed on his bloody chest - staining the bird with its' bright belly. 

"One Mayan legend claims that the quetzal used to sing beautifully before the Spanish conquest, but has been silent ever since; it will sing once again only when the land is truly free." -- Unknown

• All the photographs presented here were taken by April Beresford, before and during the actual studio session. 
• Typical garments worn represent different departments of Guatemala. 

Contact me at: karinasextraordinarylife@gmail.com

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