The Bankers (Los Banqueros); by Jason deCaire Taylor, in Isla Mujeres

Six men kneel on the ocean floor, their heads buried in the sand, briefcases by their sides, and their buttocks pointing skyward. This unusual underwater scene greets divers and snorkelers exploring the Manchones Gallery of the Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA) in Isla Mujeres.

But what’s the story behind these mysterious figures?

The Bankers. Photo credit Audrey Noirot

An Artistic Protest Beneath the Waves

Created by Jason deCaires Taylor in the 2012 expansion of MUSA, The Bankers (originally titled The Politicians) were designed to provoke thought and highlight urgent environmental and societal concerns.

These statues rest near The Silent Evolution, at a depth of 10 meters (33 feet). While snorkelers can catch a glimpse, the scene is best appreciated by divers who can fully observe the positioning, details, and marine life interacting with the installation.

Three of the central figures hold briefcases, two of which have cell phones placed neatly on top. Look closely, and you might spot king crabs or other small creatures peeking through the openings—marine life has made these statues their home.

Symbolism and Meaning

The statues offer a powerful critique of capitalism, environmental negligence, and political apathy. Depending on the source, Jason deCaires Taylor has described them as:

"The bankers symbolize denial, a resistance to acknowledge our looming environmental crisis, and the short-sighted actions of banking and government institutions. The identical positioning of the figures in a prayer-like pose aims to highlight a shift in values - the replacement of idealism with a misplaced emphasis on monetary remuneration. The buttocks support an internal living space for crustaceans and juvenile fish to breed and inhabit" (The Underwater Museum, Chronicle Books, 2014)

And in another explanation:

"The bankers symbolise how little we look to the future and how we are focused on short-term gain. Each sculpture is in a prayer position to show that monetary items have replaced his god. Each Banker has a cavity between his buttocks for marine life to inhabit. Crustaceans and eels make this space their home."(underwatersculpture.com)

The name change from The Politicians to The Bankers doesn’t dilute the message—it sharpens it. These figures are meant to challenge how we view progress, value, and responsibility in the face of climate change.

They were placed in this position with their heads in the sand and their briefcases full of money put to the side because of their refusal to see and admit to climate change.

All explanations give the statues a powerful political and environmental statement.

A Hidden Seventh Figure

To the east of Biomap lies a lesser-known banker—one of the first statues installed and often overlooked. Placed separately due to timing, this solitary figure is rarely visited but just as haunting and symbolic as its counterparts.

Depth

10 meters / 33 feet

Boat Ride

10-15 min

Dive Type

Reef

Artificial Reef - Statues

Experience Level 

Snorkelers

Divers - Entry Level, Beginners, and all levels of certified divers

Average Visibility Underwater 

20-30 mt / 66-99 feet

Average Water Temp

28 C°/ 82F°

Dive Time

Approx 45 min

To view the fish surveyed here with reef.org, click HERE. 

📩 Message us to book a tour or ask about certifications — we’re always happy to chat diving!

Exlore Courses and Tours - Click Here

Explore Courses & Tours – Click Here

The Bankers. Part of MUSA, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

The Bankers. Part of MUSA, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

The Bankers. Part of MUSA, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

The Bankers. Part of MUSA, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

The Bankers. Part of MUSA, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

The Bankers. Part of MUSA, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

1. M.U.S.A. Museo Subacuático de Arte. (2022, April 25). Underwater Sculpture by Jason deCaires Taylor. https://www.underwatersculpture.com/projects/musa-mexico/

2. The Underwater Museum, The submerged sculptures of Jason deCaires Taylor, Chronicle Books 2014