Tovar Codex, Tlacaxipehualiztli, 2nd Month Aztec Calendar

The Aztec god Xipe TCutec wearing a tunic made of flayed human skin and a headdress with green feathers and sandals. In his left hand, he holds a rattle staff. In the right hand are two linked ears of maize or corn. Tied to the headband is a deer hoof. At his feet is a leaping ram. The rattle staff is one of the insignia of this god, as are the two linked ears of maize. The deer hoof is associated with the hunting rites of the god. This month, identified as March with the astrological symbol of a ram or Aries, commemorated the festival of Tlacaxipehualiztli (The Flaying of Men). 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

12696108

Media ID

47670350

Size

3292px x 4200px (2.1MB)

Credit

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