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Old God of Fire
The representation of the old god of fire was transformed with
the passage of time and came to acquire attributes depending on the era
and style of each culture. Although the general characteristics of Huehueteotl
are maintained, in this Mexica piece, the characteristic brazier has lost
its original function and is only schematically represented as a symbol.
This sculpture of Huehueteotl probably is a synthesis of more than one
deity, because his face bears elements characteristic of Tlaloc, such as
the goggles and rectangular plaque on the mouth from the two corners of
which emerge two fangs. His elbows and knees display masks with large sharp
teeth that seem to signify passage to the underworld, similar to those
that adorn representations of other deities such as Tlaloc himself, Coyolxauhqui
and Tlaltecuhtli, among others. As mentioned, the sculpture combines symbols
related to fire, water and death and its Teotihuacan influence is evident.
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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