Jicara (Carbonated Water)

Jicara (Carbonated Water)

The midday sun beat down on the bustling marketplace of Tenochtitlan, a symphony of bartering voices and the scent of roasting maize filling the air. Amidst the vibrant chaos, a young woman named Citlalli carefully polished a collection of her most prized possessions: jícaras.

Each one, a testament to nature’s artistry, had begun its life as the hard shell of a calabash fruit. Citlalli’s hands, stained with the rich hues of natural dyes, lovingly traced the intricate carvings that adorned their surfaces. Some depicted feathered serpents, their scales swirling in hypnotic patterns. Others showcased blooming cacao trees, their precious beans promising the rich, frothy xocolatl they would one day hold.

For Citlalli and her ancestors, the jícara was more than just a vessel. It was a tangible link to the earth, a gift from the gods that provided sustenance and played a vital role in their ceremonies. The cool, smooth interior cradled refreshing atole on sweltering days and held the sacred pulque offered to the deities. She remembered her grandmother’s stories, tales whispered under the moonlight, of how the jícara connected them to the natural world. The very shape of the fruit, round and embracing, mirrored the cycle of life itself. The act of drinking from it was a communion with the land that nourished them.

Today was a special day. Citlalli had been chosen to present a meticulously carved jícara filled with fragrant tejate, a traditional Oaxacan drink made from cacao, corn, and flor de cacao, to a visiting dignitary from a distant Maya city. This jícara, adorned with symbols of unity and prosperity, was a gesture of goodwill, a silent offering of shared culture and friendship.

As she walked towards the meeting place, the jícara felt cool and solid in her hands. It was a simple object, born from a humble fruit, yet it carried the weight of history, tradition, and the enduring spirit of her people. The name itself, “jícara,” echoed the land from which it came, a natural representation of the heart of Mexico. In that moment, Citlalli understood that she wasn’t just carrying a drink; she was carrying a piece of her heritage, ready to share it with the world, one sip at a time.

Agency: helix Brand Whisperers
Art Direction & Design: Francisco Cázares Zermeño
Year: 2022