COUNTER COVER 03

THE LION

Animal or zoomorphic motifs are the main protagonists of the iconographic universe of popular Serrano embroidery. They appear together with floral or phytomorphic motifs that accompany them, completing the compositions and bringing to mind the ‘horror vacui’ of Arab iconography.

The lion is perhaps one of the most frequently represented zoomorphic motifs in popular Serrano embroidery.  It is usually the central figure of the piece, although we can also find it inserted in borders in which it alternates with other animal and plant motifs.

The lion represents power, wisdom, justice and in all Western cultures it is usually associated with gold and the sun. Its vigilant attitude is manifested in its ability to always be aware and to never close its eyes to the truth.