"Nuestro Nopal Divinx" Bandana

For her design, artist Paloma Diaz chose to highlight the Nopal, a species of cactus that is deeply significant in Mexican culture and cuisine. The title of Paloma's design translates to "Our Divine Nopal," and indeed this edible cactus species also known as "Opuntia" or "Prickly Pear" is one of the fundamental symbols of Mexico dating back to the time of the ancient Aztecs. The Aztecs considered it a sacred "planta de vida" (life-giving plant) for it's health benefits, drought-tolerance, and the fact that it's fallen leaves can form new plants. It was adopted as a symbol of the life-rebirth cycle found in many ancient Mexican myths, and are central to Mexican folklore and art today. Nopales remain a modern day staple, found in everything from health and beauty products to biofuel.