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Coyolxauhqui
Coyolxauhqui (pron. Koy-ol-shauw-kee) was the Aztec goddess of the Moon or Milky Way who was famously butchered by her brother Huitzilopochtli, the god of war, in Aztec mythology. This story was commemorated in a celebrated large relief stone...
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Aztec Warriors
Aztec warriors in typical costume of elite ranks with back racks displaying group insignia. They each carry an obsidian-bladed spear. From the Codex Mendoza, folio 67. (Bodleian Library, Oxford)
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Aztec Hummingbird Whistling Pot
The Aztec civilization of ancient Mesoamerica believed that dead warriors were reincarnated as hummingbirds or butterflies. These whistling pots often included such birds, and they were considered spiritual conduits. This fine specimen dates...
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Aztec Turquoise Pendant
An Aztec pendant representing an animal head and covered in turquoise mosaic and with eyes rendered in shell and pyrite. 1400-1521, Mexico. Height 10 cm. (British Museum, London)
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Aztec Spouted Jug
An Aztec spouted jug. Mexico, 1450-1521 CE. (St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri)
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Aztec Jade Pendant
An Aztec jade pendant in the form of a figurine. 15th century. (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)
Definition
Tarascan Civilization
The Tarascan civilization (aka the Purépecha, after their language) dominated western Mexico and built an empire that would bring it into direct conflict with that other great Mesoamerican civilization of the Post-classic period, the Aztecs...
Definition
Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli
Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, 'Dawn Lord,' was a Mesoamerican god who represented a menacing aspect of Venus, the morning star, and was one of the four gods which held up the sky. The people of the ancient Americas believed his rays could damage...
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Moctezuma: Aztec Ruler, an exhibition at the British Museum
An introduction to the last Aztec ruler, Moctezuma II. Promoting a exhibition at the British Museum, exploring Aztec (Mexica) civilisation through the divine, military and political role of the last elected ruler, Moctezuma II (reigned AD...
Definition
Xiuhtecuhtli - The Aztec God of Fire
Xiuhtecuhtli or 'Turquoise Lord' was the Aztec god of fire and also closely associated with young warriors and rulers. To the Maya he was known as Chac Xiutei. Xiuhtecuhtli was the patron of the day Atl (water) and the trecena period 1 Coatl...
