Sun / Sol de Mayo
The 32 flaming, straight rays of the Inca sun are delicately carved into this pendant. The rim supports the sun image, lending it great strength and emphasizing its radiance through its minimal contact points.
The coin's origins, and thus its name, Sol de Mayo, date back to the revolution for independence from Spain in May 1810. In 1813, the Sol de Mayo was the first Argentine coin to be minted with this motif. It also appears on the Argentine national flag.
The actual origin of the sun motif with its 16 flaming and 16 straight rays, however, lies in Inca mythology. This also explains the image's alternative name: Inca Sun.
Since the beginning of the 15th century, the symbol of the Inca sun has represented the sun god Inti. According to myth, his son founded the city of Cusco on Earth, thus ushering in the beginning of the Inca Empire. From this myth stems the Inca idea of being sons of the sun.
The sun god was honored with the Inti Raymi festival, the most important Inca celebration. This took place annually on June 21, the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. It was both a celebration of thanksgiving for the past year and a request for the sun's protection for the coming year. This was especially important for the soon-to-be-sown crops, preserving the Inca people's livelihood.
Necklace pendant
The Sol de Mayo pendant, with its long-standing mythical symbolism, represents warmth and energy. It is also a symbol of the life force bestowed upon us by the sun.
