Tovar Codex, Hueytecuilthuitli, 8th Month Aztec Calendar

A boy, dressed as the goddess Xilonen, wearing a cloak, a plume of quetzal feathers, and a headdress. Above his head is a head wearing a green stone necklace and at his feet is a lion. The text describes this month as being the feast of the more important lords and chiefs, which is celebrated with greater ostentation than the previous one. Identified as July with the astrological symbol of Leo, the month is called Hueytecuilthuitli (Great Festival of the Lords). It was dedicated to Xilonen, whose name signified ear of young corn. She was also known as Chicomecoatl (Seven Serpents) and was the goddess of maize and fertility. 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

12696114

Media ID

47670534

Size

3219px x 4275px (2.0MB)

Credit

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