PXL_20250413_164614335

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 07:49:22 +0100

THE BODY OF THE GODDESS

On this monument, Tlaltecuhtli was depicted in her feminine aspect. Her two sagging breasts and the folds across her abdomen identify her as a prolific mother. A circular incision is sculpted on her belly, from which a flow of blood emerges to reach her mouth. Within the incision, two feet wearing obsidian sandals are still visible, remnants of the lost image of a god or ruler. Below, a short skirt adorned with skulls and crossed bones is visible, as well as a headdress between her legs composed of a starry sky, symbols of Venus, eagle feathers, leather straps, and shell finials. The goddess's limbs are robust: her elbows and knees are covered with skulls, while her four claws bear the faces of earth beings.

As a distinctive feature, the claw on the right leg frames the Rabbit symbol with the number 12.

THE FACE OF THE GODDESS

The quality of the carving and its style date back to the decades before the Spanish conquest, when official Mexica art had reached its greatest refinement. The monolith exquisitely depicts a full-bodied being, viewed from the front and in a birthing position. The curly hair, characteristic of deities of darkness, the earth, and the underworld, is particularly striking. Large paper banners, symbolizing sacrifice, emerge from the hair. The face has crescent-shaped eyes, a broad nose, cheeks with the distinctive circles of the earth goddess, and a fleshless mouth. Prominent ears, adorned with circular jewels from which panels of fabric hang, are visible on either side.