Jessy DeSantis

Centre Street Building, Level 2A

Cintli, Corn, Maíz by Jessy DeSantis is on view in Latin American Art / Arte Latinoamericano.

In the mythology of the Indigenous Lenca culture of Honduras and El Salvador, a creator goddess, Managuara, ground stardust, corn, and cacao together on a metate, or grinding stone, to create the first human. This speaks to the essential role that corn has played in Central American lore and life.

In this painting, artist Jessy DeSantis depicts a single ear of corn, its husks transforming into the vibrant, precious tail feathers of the quetzal bird. The corn is elevated on the canvas, encouraging a viewer to look up at it, signifying its divine presence. The painting’s title references the many cultures that have relied on this crop: cintli is corncob in Nahuatl language and maíz is corn in Spanish.

Learn more about DeSantis and their work on Free Admissions, the museum’s podcast.

Artist Statement

As a Nicaraguan, I have been drinking cacao or pinolillo (a mix of corn and cacao) for as long as I can remember. After researching my history as a Central American with Indigenous roots, I’ve learned the religious, spiritual, and cultural importance of cacao. In the Mayan creation story Popol Vuh, which dates back many centuries, the first humans are made from corn dough and the gods often drink chocolate.

I am proud that the drink I grew up enjoying with my family is so rich in history and continues to be enjoyed today in its unprocessed form at fritangas (informal restaurants) with family and friends. As an artist seeking to pass down our stories and culture to future generations, I’ve used art to elevate awareness of our foods such as cacao and corn. They are a part of our creation stories and continue to be a part of us today.