Industrial designer Marco Villa Mateos has designed Ouroboros for Galería Zafra in Mexico City. Symbolizing self-reflexivity or cyclicality, the word Ouroboros suggests a sense of something constantly re-creating itself, the eternal return or the phoenix which obtains a new life by rising out of the ashes of its predecessor. Ouroboros as a concept, in a broader sense, symbolizes time and the continuity of life - all captured in a still life.

Dehydrating natural produce is a technique that different civilizations have used since ancient times to preserve their food stock. Through the process of dehydration, food “matures” and loses its water content resulting in a transformation of its texture, color and aroma. Essentially, in dying it preserves itself and just like the cyclical existence of a phoenix, this “death” results in something new.

Ouroboros’ design is austere using white cedar wood and copper in a contemporary form allows for herbs and vegetables to be hung and dry and it is this element of design that generates conversation as herbal bouquets (which are changed continuously) are attached faced down as they dry out. In showcasing these age old traditions, wonderful aromas are created over a fine meal providing for memories and fun times to be shared amongst loving people. According to Marco Villa Mateos ''It is a metaphor of the pleasure of living surrounded by good taste and aroma, and, of course, great friendships. Without ostentation, it invites us to a ludic experience and full of singularity that enjoys itself with simplicity, “good eat” and a pleasant conversation.''

Ouroboros Plant dryer
Dimensions: 130 x 60 x 12 cm
Materials: white cedar wood and copper

Cotan Food dryer
Dimensions: 20 x 8 cm
Materials: white marble and copper