PXL_20250413_162150631

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

Mictlantecuhtli, God of Death

Ceramic sculpture representing Mictlantecuhtli, God of Death, conceived by the Aztecs as a half-gaunt being in a position of attack, with claws and curly hair, probably placed using the holes he has in his head. The liver hangs under his thorax, because according to Aztec beliefs, this internal organ was closely related with Mictlan or the Underworld, place where this deity resided.

It was found together with another one with the same characteristics, in the building known as the Casa de las Aguilas, towards the north side of the Templo Mayor, during the works of the fifth season in the Templo Mayor Project, between 1994 and 1997. Both effigies were placed during the period of Motecuhzoma l (1440-1469 A.D.) on sidewalks flanking the north access of the building; thanks to the research which took place, we know that the Aztecs used to offer blood to them.