Fourth Journey Day 109: Between Chisel and Spirit
The scent of freshly carved mahogany and cedar filled the air as I entered a small workshop tucked behind a modest storefront. The artisan, an elderly man with calloused hands, greeted me with a warm smile and continued to carve delicate curves into a half-finished jaguar sculpture. His tools - simple but well worn - glided effortlessly over the wood, bringing intricate patterns to life.
We spoke in a mix of English and Spanish as he explained the significance of the animals he was carving. The jaguar, he explained, symbolized strength and protection in Belizean folklore. His pieces told stories of the rainforest, its spirits, and the deep connection between nature and people here.
I watched in silent admiration as he traced each groove, shaping the creature's muscles and expression with careful precision. When he paused, I sketched the details of his workspace-the rough wooden workbench, the shavings curling on the floor, the half-finished carvings resting on the shelves.
The rain arrived as I left, the smell of damp earth mixing with the sawdust that still clung to my hands. The day felt full of craft, of patience, of stories embedded in wood.
