Juana Gomez Ramirez
The Jaguars of Amatenango del Valle
For the Tseltal Maya, the jaguar symbolizes power, protection, and connection to the divine. Juana’s jaguars embody this ancient spirit, connecting past and present in tangible form. “I may not have seen a jaguar in real life,” Juana shares, “but I dream them into being through clay.”
Meet Juana Gómez Ramírez, known as Xhana Compash Otol in Amatenango del Valle, Mexico. A lifelong artisan and cultural leader, Juana has spent decades transforming clay into powerful symbols of the Tseltal Maya tradition—most notably, her stunning handcrafted jaguar sculptures. Through her vision, skill, and mentorship, Juana continues to evolve a centuries-old art form while uplifting her community and family.
Born and raised in Amatenango del Valle, a village renowned for its ceramic traditions, Juana's artistic journey began at an early age. "My mother taught me to make clay pots and little animals to sell," she recalls, reflecting on the challenges of supporting her family after her father’s passing. By age 12, Juana's creativity flourished as she crafted her first jaguar sculpture, inspired by schoolbook illustrations and her dreams.
Juana’s distinctive jaguars—often crouching, roaring, or poised in lifelike stances—have become her signature, a blend of tradition and innovation which draws on the sacred symbolism of the jaguar in Mayan culture. Juana’s art embraces both heritage and modern techniques. Each piece begins with locally sourced clay and sand, collectively protected resources of her village. From hand-forming and burnishing to intricate painting and firing, the process is entirely handmade—an enduring commitment to Tseltal traditions.
Her workshop has become a beacon of change, where men and women now collaborate—breaking long-standing gender norms in ceramic making. “Traditionally, pottery was women’s work, but today, my brothers, sons, and community members all contribute,” Juana explains. Her workshop now supports over 30 artisans, offering space to learn, create, and sell.