This is a painting of Iño Codzo, Lady Six Monkey, a warrior ruler of the Ñuu Dzahui or Mixtec culture, who lived in the 11th century of our era. In the Codex Añute, it is told how she was engaged to Lord Eleven Wind, and on the way to her wedding she was offended by Lord Two Alligator and Lord Six Lizard, the rulers of the Mountain of the Insect and the Mountain of the Moon. After consulting with Lady Nine Grass, the oracle of Our Mother the Earth, Lady Six Monkey attacked and conquered the Mountain of the Insect and the Mountain of the Moon, capturing Lord Two Alligator and Lord Six Lizard.
Because of her bravery and her ability, she was presented with a quechquemitl or “blouse” painted with the glyph of war. This symbol became part of her name, and thus she was known as Lady Six Monkey War Blouse. In my painting, she appears in battle, wearing a woman’s skirt but also a man’s loincloth, symbolizing her role as both a feminine and a masculine figure, a yya dzehe toniñe or “queen”, and a warrior. She captures Lord Two Alligator, who can be seen kneeling before her.
You can find prints of Lady Six Monkey in my Etsy store! Click here!
