Templo Mayor (Main Temple)
Tenochtitlan (modern Mexico). Mexica (Aztec). 1375-1520 C.E. Stone (temple); volcanic stone (The Coyolxauhqui Stone); jadeite (Olmec-style mask); basalt (Calendar Stone)
The most spectacular expansion of the Templo Mayor took place in the year "1 Rabbit" (1454 A.D.) under the ruler Motecuhzoma I when impressive art works and architectural elements were added.
Coyolxauhqui Stone
Identify:
- Mexica (Aztec people)
- Unknown artist
- Tenochtitlan, Mexico
90 feet high
Tenochtitlan, Mexico (present day mexico city)
1325 CE
Rebuilt 6 times
100 by 80 meters,
Myth Summary associated with war god aspect of temple:
Huitzilopochtli's mother, Coatlicue (Snakes-her-skirt), became miraculously pregnant. Her daughter, Coyolxauhqui, became angry when she heard this, so with her 400 brothers, she attacked their mother. Right away, Caotilcue’s son, Huitzilopochtli emerged out of her womb, fully grown, clothed and armed to defend his mother on the mountain called Coatepec (Snake Mountain). Eventually, Huitzilopochtli defeated his sister and brothers, then beheaded her and threw her body down the mountain and her body broke apart. Huitzilopochtli became the patron deity of Mexica.
Form:
Volcanic stone and covered in stucco
the post classic period and Mesoamerican style
A large symmetrical building with twin staircases leading up to two identical temple towers
Was a focal point of the society and taller than all the other buildings
Content:
Main temple of the Mexica people
Design is inspired by Mexica mythology
Either side of the temple was dedicated to and represented the two primary gods
Wooden statues of the two gods were inside of the two temples
God of war and sun on one half
Huitzilopochtli
Included sacrificial stone and standard bearer figures and serpants
This side of the temple represents snake mountain or Coatepec
South side of the temple
Painted red → symbolic of the dry season during the winter solstice
Steps leading to Huitzilopochtli’s were painted bright red, symbolizing war and blood
Stairs also had sculptures of snake heads with feathers
God of rain/agriculture on the other half
Tlaloc
Included altar of the frogs and chacmool sculpture to receive offerings
This side of temple symbolized the mountain of sustenance, which produced rain and allowed crops to grow
North side of the temple
Painted with blue stripes → symbolic of the wet season during the summer solstice
Stairs leading to Tlaloc temple were blue and white, again representing water
Stairs also had sculptures of snake heads with blinkers
These halves were very contracting to each other, showing a value in balance and harmony of opposites in nature from life and death, peace and violence, power and humility.
Function:
A place of worship for their gods, Tlaloc and Huitzilopochtli
Rituals, ceremonies and reenactment of their myths
Panquetzaliztli (“Banner raising”) performed
Honored Huitzilopochtli’s triumph over Coyolxauhqui
Gifts were offered to Huitzilopochtli
Tamales were eaten and there was dancing
Reenact the myths associated with Coatepec
A representation of Aztec warfare and conquest as well as their power
Context:
Aztec empire was from 1345 - 1521 CE
Tenochtitlan, Mexico (present day mexico city)
Sacred precinct and center of former mexica empire
On on island in the middle of lake Texcoco
Means “The Greater Temple”
A UNESCO world heritage site
Taken apart and destroyed by the Spanish in 1521, remains were buried
When the Coyolxauhqui stone was found, the site of Templo Mayor was also rediscovered
Now the temple is an excavation site of ruins
Thousands of ritual objects have been recovered related to the temple
Included objects from other cultural traditions showing the Mexica awareness, value, and appreciation of past culture, such as the Olmec mask
The aztec Invasion of neighboring territories to spread Aztec ideas and religion
Tenochtitlan dominated smaller city states to establish itself as the capital around the 12 cent CE
Constant threat of military intervention maintained the order
Tenochtitlan could hold 200,000 people by the 16th century
Was a Trade center
Gold, pottery, food exports
Aztec empire was from 1345 - 1521 CE
Tenochtitlan, Mexico (present day mexico city)
Sacred precinct and center of former mexica empire
On on island in the middle of lake Texcoco
Means “The Greater Temple”
A UNESCO world heritage site
Taken apart and destroyed by the Spanish in 1521, remains were buried
When the Coyolxauhqui stone was found, the site of Templo Mayor was also rediscovered
Now the temple is an excavation site of ruins
Thousands of ritual objects have been recovered related to the temple
Included objects from other cultural traditions showing the Mexica awareness, value, and appreciation of past culture, such as the Olmec mask
The aztec Invasion of neighboring territories to spread Aztec ideas and religion
Tenochtitlan dominated smaller city states to establish itself as the capital around the 12 cent CE
Constant threat of military intervention maintained the order
Tenochtitlan could hold 200,000 people by the 16th century
Was a Trade center
Gold, pottery, food exports
Coyolxauhqui Stone
Form:
C. 1500
Volcanic stone
Found in Templo Mayor in 1978
A Monolith relief carving and was originally painted red orange white and blue
Content:
Connected to warfare and the sun→ was located at the base of the huitzilopochtli side of temple
Depicts the Aztec goddess Coyolxauhqui (Bells-Her-Cheeks), sister of the patron god, Huitzilopochtli (Hummingbird-Left), who was killed by her brother when she attempted to kill their mother.
Graphic imagery depicts themes of death and chaos. She is beheaded and dismembered
Items mark her status, but the goddess is naked connecting to motherhood but Also symbolizes Humiliation and defeat
Function:
A sacrificial stone
Used to transformed temple into a symbolic coatepec (“snake mountain”) by placing it at bottom of structure to reenact their myths to honor Huitzilopochtli
During the monthly festival of panquetzaliztli, war captives were killed and rolled down the structure so that they landed on the monolith to reenact and symbolize the defeat of Coyolxauhqui who fell off the snake mountain
Ritual was to assert power and authority over enemies of Mexica and make them fear Mexica
War captives were killed in a way that mirrored the death of Coyolxauhqui
Calendar Stone
Form:
called the sun stone
From 1502-20 CE
Discovered in 1790
Basalt, Originally painted
Content:
angry face resembles sun with open mouth and ear spools to symbolize elite.
Possibly of Tonatiuh the Aztec sun god
Related to aztec myths of the five suns which is the creation all previous eras of the world including the current, or fifth era/ sun called four movement
Prophesied the 5th era will end in death by earthquakes, relating to the volcanic landscape
20 symbols → the days of the calendar
Arrows point in cardinal directions to symbolize quadrants of the universe
Tenochtitlan was also divided into four quadrants, capital represents center of universe
Fire Serpents represent time→ carry sun across the sky
Includes a Symbol of Montezuma II→ dates to his reign
Function:
Modern day Emblem of mexican culture
Records the origins order and structure of the universe
Tells story of cosmos
History of creation and time
Olmec-style mask
Form:
C. 1200-400 BCE
Small Polished sculpture made of jadeite
Recovered at the site of Templo Mayor
From Olmec culture, before the Aztecs
In Gulf coast of mexico→ distant in geography and time
Content:
Human face comparable to a baby’s with distinct Olmec style
Function:
Was and Offering buried in the temple in 1470
Aztec collected them and ritually buried them to offer to gods
Aztec collected objects from many different culture→ connection between cultures
Shows the vast trade networks of mesoamerica
Context:
It was from 1000 years prior to Mexica’s existence in Teotihuacan → Mexica people saw it as valuable and historically significant
Shows Aztecs revered past culture and cared about history
Olmecs thrived and had enormous pyramids that the Aztecs admired and believed the fifth sun was born
Themes:
religious/sacred spaces
Myth
power/ authority
Sacred space
Objects of wealth and status
Ritual objects of belief
War and Violence
Sacred/Profane
Narrative Art
Sacred space
Main Aztec Temple, the center and focal point of the empire and capitol.
Center of important rituals
Coronation
Most important religious structure to honor two of the most important gods.
Huitzilopochtli - Patron god of warfare= power and success
Tlaloc - god of rain/ agriculture= vital to survival
Conflict/ harmony:
This temple demonstrates the harmony in the society to come together for the festival monthly to honor their deities
Yet it demonstrates the value of violence and war in order to declare their society’s power.
Their patron god that the temple is dedicated to and honored during the festival is the god of war. They honor him by sacrificing enemies to instill fear in others.
Conflict within the identities of the gods
Tlaloc both gave life with the rain and took it away with floods and droughts
Harmony or conflict between gods and people depending on the actions of humanity
Sacrifices = payment to the gods for creating the world
Calendar dictated when the sacrifice must be blood
War/Violence:
The aztec values were built upon imperialization and war
Respect and valour was accumulated from war victories
Conquest was the reason they were able to expand their empire
The Coyolxauhqui stone depicts graphic death and destruction
Work seen as a victorious triumph over god
Idealized violence
Power and authority
The size of Templo Mayor dwarfed that of the surrounding architecture
Theme of architecture dedicated toward the gods being physically greater and larger than everything else
Large size demonstrated the power and authority of the two gods
Human constructed architectural mountain
Tlaloc was associated with mountains
Knowledge and belief (calendar stone)
This stone depicts the creation story of aztec myths, the origin and structure if the cosmos
It combines religious beliefs with their understanding of time and their place in the universe.
Religious belief in gods, and the five eras of the sun, but also knowledge of cardinal directions and the sun as the center of all things as well as awareness of time passing
Cross-Cultural connections:
White Temple and its Ziggurat (12)
In Uruk Iraq
Elevated focal point to the city that demonstrates the connection and honor to a god and the god’s power over the city.
Similar use of layers in the building although not as many as Templo Mayor with a large base that then reaches towards the heavens and the gods with each additional level.
Chavin de Huántar
they are both spiritual centers dedicated to their most important gods and are the focal point the binds the society. They are also pivotal centers for trade and connection between cultures.
Lukasa (memory board) (177) → the calendar stone
Both relate to the spiritual history of the cultures and records of past events
A Lukasa records historical events, lineages, rituals of the culture. spirits record the information
Calendar stone depicts the history of the universe's creation as well as time, is a record of the sun god, and is very mysterious.
Both describe structure of their spiritual history and the universe and they explain the past in order to navigate the present and future.
they build organization and order within society to trust the history and leaders and fear the gods
C. 1500
Volcanic stone
Found in Templo Mayor in 1978
A Monolith relief carving and was originally painted red orange white and blue
Connected to warfare and the sun→ was located at the base of the huitzilopochtli side of temple
Depicts the Aztec goddess Coyolxauhqui (Bells-Her-Cheeks), sister of the patron god, Huitzilopochtli (Hummingbird-Left), who was killed by her brother when she attempted to kill their mother.
Graphic imagery depicts themes of death and chaos. She is beheaded and dismembered
Items mark her status, but the goddess is naked connecting to motherhood but Also symbolizes Humiliation and defeat
A sacrificial stone
Used to transformed temple into a symbolic coatepec (“snake mountain”) by placing it at bottom of structure to reenact their myths to honor Huitzilopochtli
During the monthly festival of panquetzaliztli, war captives were killed and rolled down the structure so that they landed on the monolith to reenact and symbolize the defeat of Coyolxauhqui who fell off the snake mountain
Ritual was to assert power and authority over enemies of Mexica and make them fear Mexica
War captives were killed in a way that mirrored the death of Coyolxauhqui
called the sun stone
From 1502-20 CE
Discovered in 1790
Basalt, Originally painted
angry face resembles sun with open mouth and ear spools to symbolize elite.
Possibly of Tonatiuh the Aztec sun god
Related to aztec myths of the five suns which is the creation all previous eras of the world including the current, or fifth era/ sun called four movement
Prophesied the 5th era will end in death by earthquakes, relating to the volcanic landscape
20 symbols → the days of the calendar
Arrows point in cardinal directions to symbolize quadrants of the universe
Tenochtitlan was also divided into four quadrants, capital represents center of universe
Fire Serpents represent time→ carry sun across the sky
Includes a Symbol of Montezuma II→ dates to his reign
Modern day Emblem of mexican culture
Records the origins order and structure of the universe
Tells story of cosmos
History of creation and time
C. 1200-400 BCE
Small Polished sculpture made of jadeite
Recovered at the site of Templo Mayor
From Olmec culture, before the Aztecs
In Gulf coast of mexico→ distant in geography and time
Human face comparable to a baby’s with distinct Olmec style
Was and Offering buried in the temple in 1470
Aztec collected them and ritually buried them to offer to gods
Aztec collected objects from many different culture→ connection between cultures
Shows the vast trade networks of mesoamerica
It was from 1000 years prior to Mexica’s existence in Teotihuacan → Mexica people saw it as valuable and historically significant
Shows Aztecs revered past culture and cared about history
Olmecs thrived and had enormous pyramids that the Aztecs admired and believed the fifth sun was born
religious/sacred spaces
Myth
power/ authority
Sacred space
Objects of wealth and status
Ritual objects of belief
War and Violence
Sacred/Profane
Narrative Art
Main Aztec Temple, the center and focal point of the empire and capitol.
Center of important rituals
Coronation
Most important religious structure to honor two of the most important gods.
Huitzilopochtli - Patron god of warfare= power and success
Tlaloc - god of rain/ agriculture= vital to survival
This temple demonstrates the harmony in the society to come together for the festival monthly to honor their deities
Yet it demonstrates the value of violence and war in order to declare their society’s power.
Their patron god that the temple is dedicated to and honored during the festival is the god of war. They honor him by sacrificing enemies to instill fear in others.
Conflict within the identities of the gods
Tlaloc both gave life with the rain and took it away with floods and droughts
Harmony or conflict between gods and people depending on the actions of humanity
Sacrifices = payment to the gods for creating the world
Calendar dictated when the sacrifice must be blood
The aztec values were built upon imperialization and war
Respect and valour was accumulated from war victories
Conquest was the reason they were able to expand their empire
The Coyolxauhqui stone depicts graphic death and destruction
Work seen as a victorious triumph over god
Idealized violence
The size of Templo Mayor dwarfed that of the surrounding architecture
Theme of architecture dedicated toward the gods being physically greater and larger than everything else
Large size demonstrated the power and authority of the two gods
Human constructed architectural mountain
Tlaloc was associated with mountains
This stone depicts the creation story of aztec myths, the origin and structure if the cosmos
It combines religious beliefs with their understanding of time and their place in the universe.
Religious belief in gods, and the five eras of the sun, but also knowledge of cardinal directions and the sun as the center of all things as well as awareness of time passing
Elevated focal point to the city that demonstrates the connection and honor to a god and the god’s power over the city.
Similar use of layers in the building although not as many as Templo Mayor with a large base that then reaches towards the heavens and the gods with each additional level.
they are both spiritual centers dedicated to their most important gods and are the focal point the binds the society. They are also pivotal centers for trade and connection between cultures.
Both relate to the spiritual history of the cultures and records of past events
A Lukasa records historical events, lineages, rituals of the culture. spirits record the information
Calendar stone depicts the history of the universe's creation as well as time, is a record of the sun god, and is very mysterious.
Both describe structure of their spiritual history and the universe and they explain the past in order to navigate the present and future.
they build organization and order within society to trust the history and leaders and fear the gods
Questions:
*What is its religion, its beliefs and practices and how does this art and architecture reinforce this religion?
Religion→
Syncretistic: the amalgamation or attempted amalgamation of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought
Took elements of Mayan mythology
13 heavens and 9 underworlds
Movement of planets influenced timing of religious rites
Gods were honored with festivals, music, burial of precious goods, bloodletting, animal sacrifice
People were “fed” to appease the gods during times of hardship
Sacrifices could be done three ways:
Removed heart
Decapitated
Made to fight and die against an elite warrior
Calendar
Common to most of mesoamerica
Rituals were dependent on it
Solar year of 365 days
Sacred year of 260 days
Two cycles combined to create a 52 year cycle
Templo mayor’s stair were used in the rituals of war captives
- Templo mayor was the main temple of the empire, honoring and worship of the two most important gods to ensure peace of society
- stairs were used in the rituals of war captive sacrifice and reenactments
* Who's in power and how does art reinforce that power and authority?
Social elite are in power
The rulers or tlatoani were the most important
Art was often status symbols and represented power by using rare and expensive materials to honor the kings.
Montezuma II was a prominent ruler of the time, referenced in the calendar stone→ connection to gods and universe
Artists were among the commoners of society, and the patrons were the rulers and nobility. → Montezuma II is the patron of Templo Mayor
However, the Aztec people dislike the ruler for his constant demand for tribute → when the Spanish invaded, the people turned against him, leading to the fall of the empire.
* What is the social structure including the family structure and the role of women and how does this manifest itself in the art? Gender roles in general?
The caste system was strict
The Nobility had leadership roles, wealth, and were allowed to enjoy art. This status passed through male and female lineage. The high level nobility, called pilli, held government and military positions or were priests. this was generally hereditary.
The warrior was glorified. → a despotism in which military might played a dominant role
Athletes were of high status
common or macehualli people included farmers, merchants, and artisans and people were generally poor.
servants called mayeque
slaves or tlacotin were generally treated well. Slavery was not hereditary.
All Mexica people received compulsory education, regardless of class or gender. Therefore all people had basic education, yet boys and the elite had a more extensive education.
Boys were taught to fight and lead while girls were taught to run a home, but also do crafts and handle the economics. Women therefore had a good amount of power in the society, but they could not have leadership or warrior roles.
Marriages were arranged. There was often polygamy with a “primary” wife. From teen through adult life, girls would get married or work in the temples and boys work or join the military.
* What is the culture's natural environment and how does this affect the content of the art?
Aztec civilization started as hunters and gatherers on northern mexican plateau
Lake Texcoco → fresh water and swamp lands
Agriculture was the foundation of a successful empire
Innovative irrigation systems fueled productivity
Chinampas were drained fields created from lake Texcoco
Fertile land increased yield and variety of harvest, making trade successful
Hot and humid climate
Tenochtitlan was situated in between valleys, meaning the empire was established as a low lying city
Surrounded by Iztaccihuatl and Popcatepetl (an active volcano), which were the two highest mountains in Mexico
Isolated by these geographical features (mountains and lake), except on the east side
* What kinds of materials are available to this culture and what kind of social and religious significance does the use of these materials convey? How is this manifested in the artwork, if at all?
Valued materials in art generally relate to status, and therefore are precious or rare. Metals such as gold and silver were used as well as precious stones.
Feathers were a common symbol of status used by royalty and priests.
Although these materials generally apply to sculpture and ceremonial art, rather than architecture, jaidate is seen in the Olmec-style mask found at the site.
volcanic stone and basalt are common among architecture, especially temples for spiritual significance.
Rituals were performed with volcanoes as they connected to the gods, therefore the temple also connects to the gods.
* What ceremonies help define the culture?
Human sacrifices to appease the gods
Generally not women or children
A preventative measure to establish safety from natural disasters
Religion→
Syncretistic: the amalgamation or attempted amalgamation of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought
Took elements of Mayan mythology
13 heavens and 9 underworlds
Movement of planets influenced timing of religious rites
Gods were honored with festivals, music, burial of precious goods, bloodletting, animal sacrifice
People were “fed” to appease the gods during times of hardship
Sacrifices could be done three ways:
Removed heart
Decapitated
Made to fight and die against an elite warrior
Calendar
Common to most of mesoamerica
Rituals were dependent on it
Solar year of 365 days
Sacred year of 260 days
Two cycles combined to create a 52 year cycle
Templo mayor’s stair were used in the rituals of war captives
Social elite are in power
The rulers or tlatoani were the most important
Art was often status symbols and represented power by using rare and expensive materials to honor the kings.
Montezuma II was a prominent ruler of the time, referenced in the calendar stone→ connection to gods and universe
Artists were among the commoners of society, and the patrons were the rulers and nobility. → Montezuma II is the patron of Templo Mayor
However, the Aztec people dislike the ruler for his constant demand for tribute → when the Spanish invaded, the people turned against him, leading to the fall of the empire.
The caste system was strict
The Nobility had leadership roles, wealth, and were allowed to enjoy art. This status passed through male and female lineage. The high level nobility, called pilli, held government and military positions or were priests. this was generally hereditary.
The warrior was glorified. → a despotism in which military might played a dominant role
Athletes were of high status
common or macehualli people included farmers, merchants, and artisans and people were generally poor.
servants called mayeque
slaves or tlacotin were generally treated well. Slavery was not hereditary.
All Mexica people received compulsory education, regardless of class or gender. Therefore all people had basic education, yet boys and the elite had a more extensive education.
Boys were taught to fight and lead while girls were taught to run a home, but also do crafts and handle the economics. Women therefore had a good amount of power in the society, but they could not have leadership or warrior roles.
Marriages were arranged. There was often polygamy with a “primary” wife. From teen through adult life, girls would get married or work in the temples and boys work or join the military.
Aztec civilization started as hunters and gatherers on northern mexican plateau
Lake Texcoco → fresh water and swamp lands
Agriculture was the foundation of a successful empire
Innovative irrigation systems fueled productivity
Chinampas were drained fields created from lake Texcoco
Fertile land increased yield and variety of harvest, making trade successful
Hot and humid climate
Tenochtitlan was situated in between valleys, meaning the empire was established as a low lying city
Surrounded by Iztaccihuatl and Popcatepetl (an active volcano), which were the two highest mountains in Mexico
Isolated by these geographical features (mountains and lake), except on the east side
Valued materials in art generally relate to status, and therefore are precious or rare. Metals such as gold and silver were used as well as precious stones.
Feathers were a common symbol of status used by royalty and priests.
Although these materials generally apply to sculpture and ceremonial art, rather than architecture, jaidate is seen in the Olmec-style mask found at the site.
volcanic stone and basalt are common among architecture, especially temples for spiritual significance.
Rituals were performed with volcanoes as they connected to the gods, therefore the temple also connects to the gods.
Human sacrifices to appease the gods
Generally not women or children
A preventative measure to establish safety from natural disasters
