Tlaltecuhtli Monolith

Tlaltecuhtli Monolith

Tlaltecuhtli, Earth Deity, pictured here on one slab of andesite stone, with typical iconographical features such as mouths at his joints, dual gender representation, and most importantly terrestrial symbolism.

Recovered Aztec monolith depicting Tlaltecuhtli. As usual he's shown as confined and upset, in keeping with his celestial narrative. Torn in two by rivals, one half of his body is fated to be the source of vitality for the earth and the other for the heavens. Due to his integral influence on their survival, the Aztecs would frequently sacrifice victims on his behalf as means of placation.

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Museo Del Templo Mayor

Early 16th Century

Eduardo Matos Moctezuma

Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia

Earth deity, human sacrifice, gender duality, and monoliths
*refer to related Templo Mayor works*

Andesite monolith, 4.19 x 3.62 meters (Height x Width)

12 ton stone monolith

Tlaltecuhtli Monolith

This piece commissioned during the reign of Ahuizotl, as a physical representation of one of their Earth Gods. Specifically, it was stylized to communicate the Earthly confines of the deity and the sacrificial implications.

Stone Monolith