Sigil
Eguzki’s symbolism is deeply intertwined with the dualities of life and death, light and darkness, with the Sun's daily journey seen as a victory over the forces of night.
In modern times, Eguzki remains a significant cultural symbol for the Basque people, representing resilience and identity.
Contemporary interpretations of Eguzki blend traditional and modern aesthetics, with its image appearing in art, jewelry, and tattoos as an expression of Basque heritage.
The Eguzkilore continues to be used in homes for protection, reflecting the enduring connection between the Basque people and their ancient traditions, as well as their respect for the natural world.
In my depiction of Eguzki, I chose to explore a more anthropomorphic form, diverging from the usual symbolic representations of the Sun as a simple disc or radiant light.
I wanted to capture an eerie and whimsical essence, creating a figure that defies clear categorization, blurring the lines between "it," "she," and "he."
This approach allowed me to emphasize the mysterious and otherworldly aspects of Eguzki, portraying it as an entity that is both familiar and unsettling. To achieve this, I incorporated elements of an ancient oak tree, inspired by the Ents from Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.
The oak has deep symbolic significance in Basque culture, representing strength and endurance, so I used its twisted branches (also recalling the sun rays) and leaf-like patterns (with an Eguzkilore halo crown) to ground Eguzki in nature.
By blending these tree-like features with the celestial qualities of the Sun, I created a figure I hope feels timeless and enigmatic, embodying both the nurturing light of Eguzki and the ancient, protective spirit of the natural world.
