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Xiuhcóatl
Representation of the head of a xiuhcoatl or "fire
serpent." This is a complex mythological being of confusing origins.
It was related to the cult of Xiuhtecuhtli, fire god and lord of the year;
it was a ritual object in sacred ceremonies such as the New Fire ceremony,
represented in the form of an incense burner with a long handle; on the
other hand, it was the weapon that Huitzilopochtli used to decapitate Coyolxauhqui
at Coatepec hill. The head of Xiuhcoatl that you are seeing was found in
1901 in the house of the Marquis del Apartado at Argentina and Donceles
streets. The monumentality of this sculpture and the power of its expression
make clear the importance of this fantastic serpent for the Mexicas. On
the back is engraved the date 4 Reed, the name of fire.
Last Modified: January 14, 1998.
Museo del Templo Mayor, Instituto Nacional de Antropología e História,
México.
Seminario #8, Centro Histórico. Cuauhtémoc,
México, D.F. 06060
©Copyright
1997
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