Mermaid Architectonic Detail

I wonder what’s the fascination with mermaids and sirens around La Antigua Guatemala, a town located in the highlands of Guatemala, a couple of hours away from the Pacific Ocean at present. Back in 15th Century to travel to the sea from Antigua Guatemala must had been a real adventure; perhaps taking a few days to reach the Pacific Ocean, which is the nearest shore from La Antigua Guatemala. Yet, las sirenas were already in the fountains and in the façades of buildings and houses.

Does anybody know what’s the origin of the fascination with mermaids?

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