Tovar Codex, Etzalcualiztli, 6th Month Aztec Calendar

Aztec god Tlaloc holding a stalk of maize and a water vessel. His eyes and mouth are rimmed with green circles, and he wears a cloak. Above his head is a crab. This month, identified as early June with the astrological symbol of the crab or Cancer, is called Etzalcualiztli (Meal of Maize and Beans). The patron god of this month was the rain god, Tlaloc. The attributes of Tlaloc include the handled water jar, the eye and mouth rims, and the corn stalk. The Tovar Codex (16th century) contains detailed information about the rites and ceremonies of the Aztecs. The codex is illustrated with 51 full-page paintings in watercolor. Illustration taken from a 19th century transcript of Juan de Tovar's Historia de la benida de los yndios apoblar a Mexico (the Codex Tovar)

Picture No

12696112

Media ID

47670441

Size

3267px x 4200px (2.0MB)

Credit

LOC/Jay I. Kislak Collection/Science Source/Mary Evans