Watercolor Market Inside a Maya Pyramid

A whimsical watercolor illustration, a cross-sectional view of a bustling, multi-story pre-Columbian indigenous market square or tiangue in 1490, built inside a massive pyramid of popular Mayan ceremonial use in Chichen Itza. The interior features a ball court at the back, a first floor for the sale and exchange of animals (turkeys, deer, goats, Chihuahuas, and fish) with a small greenhouse in the attic filled with lush green plants and stalls selling women's shoes. A curved staircase connects the levels. On the second level, various vegetables are traded (corn in various forms: ears, corn on the cob, tortillas, pozole, and corn husk toys), as well as a variety of fruits (watermelons, mangoes, jocotes, and papayas). The top level is a large, lively, and bustling area for clothing, costumes, and accessories. A soft, warm interior light emanates from the windows and torches, contrasting with the bright green of the surrounding vegetation and the azure sky. Artistic ink outlines and meticulous effects adorn the environment, reminiscent of luminous Fauvism.