Coatlicue is an important deity in the Aztec pantheon, known as the earth-mother goddess. She is often depicted as an old woman to symbolize the antiquity of earth worship. Her name means “Serpent Skirt” in Nahuatl, and she is associated with fertility, childbirth, warfare, governance, and agriculture.
According to Aztec mythology, Coatlicue is the mother of the gods and mortals. She gave birth to the moon, stars, and Huitzilopochtli, the god of the sun and war. Her image embodies powerful dualism, with her face of two fanged serpents and her skirt of interwoven snakes. Her breasts are flabby, signifying that she nourished many, and her necklace is made of hands and hearts.
Coatlicue is often depicted with a skull necklace, which represents the duality of life and death. She is also associated with the Aztec calendar, which was based on the cycles of the sun and moon. Despite being a powerful and revered goddess, Coatlicue is said to have predicted the downfall of the Aztec Empire. Her story is a fascinating one, full of symbolism and meaning that has captivated people for centuries.
Mythological Origins
Aztec Creation Myths
The Aztecs believed that the world had gone through several cycles of creation and destruction. According to their mythology, each cycle was presided over by a different god or goddess. Coatlicue was one of the most important deities in the Aztec pantheon and was associated with the fifth and current cycle of creation.
Coatlicue’s Place in Mythology
Coatlicue was the mother of the gods and mortals and was seen as a symbol of the earth as both creator and destroyer. She was also associated with fertility and was often depicted with multiple breasts. Her most famous representation is a statue that can be found in Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology.
One of the most well-known myths associated with Coatlicue is the story of her son, Huitzilopochtli. According to legend, Coatlicue was sweeping the temple when a ball of feathers fell from the sky and landed in her lap. She tucked the feathers into her skirt, and miraculously became pregnant with Huitzilopochtli. When her other children discovered that she was pregnant, they became angry and plotted to kill her. However, Huitzilopochtli emerged fully grown from her womb and defeated his siblings, becoming the god of the sun and war.
Coatlicue was also associated with snakes and was often depicted wearing a skirt made of interwoven serpents. This symbolized the duality of creation and destruction, as well as the cyclical nature of life. The Aztecs believed that life and death were intertwined and that everything in the universe was constantly in a state of flux.
Iconography
Statue Description
Coatlicue, the Aztec goddess, has been depicted in various forms in Aztec art, reflecting her multifaceted nature. The most iconic representation of Coatlicue is the colossal basalt statue in Mexico City’s Museo Nacional de Antropología. Standing over ten feet tall, the statue towers over onlookers as she leans toward them. Her head is composed of two snake heads facing each other to resemble a single, forward-facing face. Her skirt is of interwoven snakes, and she wears a necklace made of human hearts and hands.
Symbolic Elements
The dualism that Coatlicue embodies is powerfully concretized in her image: her face is of two fanged serpents, symbolizing the duality of life and death. The snake skirt represents the earth and its fertility, while the necklace of human hearts and hands represents human sacrifice. The statue’s overall appearance is that of a fierce and powerful goddess, embodying both creation and destruction. The use of Aztec iconography suggests that Coatlicue had been dismembered, with the twin head snakes possibly representing gouts of blood. The statue’s intricate details and symbolic elements reflect the importance of Coatlicue in Aztec culture.
Cultural Significance
Religious Role
Coatlicue, the Aztec goddess, played a significant role in the Aztec religion. She was revered as the mother of the gods and mortals and was considered the embodiment of the duality of creation and destruction. Her image was often depicted in Aztec art, and she was worshipped in various rituals and ceremonies. As the patron of childbirth, she was believed to be able to grant fertility and protect women during pregnancy and childbirth.
Modern Interpretations
Today, Coatlicue’s image and symbolism continue to inspire artists, scholars, and activists. Her representation of the earth as both creator and destroyer has been interpreted as a metaphor for environmental destruction and the need for ecological balance. Her image has also been used to challenge gender norms and to celebrate feminine power and creativity. In modern times, Coatlicue has become a symbol of resistance and cultural pride for many Indigenous peoples in Mexico and beyond.
In conclusion, Coatlicue’s cultural significance is multifaceted and continues to evolve over time. Her religious role as the mother of the gods and mortals and patron of childbirth is just one aspect of her significance. Her image and symbolism have inspired modern interpretations that speak to issues of gender, ecology, and cultural identity.
Historical Discovery
Archaeological Find
Coatlicue, the revered Aztec goddess, was a major deity in the Aztec pantheon. Her name means “Serpent Skirt,” and she was regarded as the earth-mother goddess. The discovery of the Coyolxāuhqui stone in Mexico City led to a large-scale excavation, directed by Eduardo Matos Moctezuma, to unearth the Huēyi Teōcalli (Templo Mayor in Spanish). The stone relief depicts Coyolxāuhqui, the sister of Huitzilopochtli, who was dismembered by her brother. This discovery provided valuable insight into the Aztec pantheon and their beliefs.
Preservation and Display
The Coatlicue sculpture in Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology is one of the most famous Mexica (Aztec) sculptures in existence. Standing over ten feet tall, the statue towers over onlookers as she leans toward them. The statue is made of basalt and depicts Coatlicue with a skirt made of snakes and a necklace made of human hearts. The sculpture was discovered in 1790 in Mexico City’s main square and was initially displayed in the nearby Cathedral before being moved to the National Museum of Anthropology in 1964. The statue is a significant cultural artifact that provides insight into the Aztec religion and their beliefs about the earth and fertility.
Artistic Representations
Pre-Columbian Art
Coatlicue has been a popular subject in pre-Columbian art. The most famous representation of Coatlicue is the colossal basalt statue in Mexico City’s Museo Nacional de Antropología. The statue depicts Coatlicue as a goddess with a skirt made of snakes and a necklace of human hearts. Coatlicue’s head is composed of two snake heads facing each other to resemble a single, forward-facing face. This statue is a powerful representation of the goddess and her importance in Aztec culture.
Contemporary Art
Coatlicue’s image continues to inspire contemporary artists. Many artists have created their own interpretations of the goddess, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. Some artists have focused on Coatlicue’s role as a mother and creator, while others have explored her darker aspects as a goddess of destruction. One notable example is the sculpture “Coatlicue and the Serpent Skirt” by Mexican artist Miguel Covarrubias. The sculpture depicts Coatlicue as a powerful and imposing figure, with a skirt made of snakes and a fierce expression on her face.
Overall, Coatlicue’s image has had a lasting impact on the world of art. Her multifaceted nature and complex symbolism continue to inspire artists of all kinds.