Transcript The Aztec Calendar

The
Aztec
Calendar
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This is the Aztec Calendar,
perhaps the most famous
symbol of Mexico.
• The original object is a 12' PreColumbian stone slab.
• Many renditions of it exist
throughout Mexico.
Cuauhxicalli
• Historically, the Aztec name for the
huge basaltic monolith is
Cuauhxicalli (Eagle Bowl), but it
is universally known as the Aztec
Calendar or Sun Stone.
When Was It Created?
• It was during the reign of the 6th
Aztec monarch in 1479 that this
stone was carved and dedicated to
the principal Aztec deity: the sun.
• The stone has both mythological
and astronomical significance.
What Is It’s Size?
• It weighs almost 25 tons, has a
diameter of just under 12 feet, and
a thickness of 3 feet.
• On December 17th, 1760 the stone
was discovered in the "Zocalo"
(the main square) of Mexico City.
Where Is It Located?
• After it was discovered in 1760, it
was embedded in the wall of the
Western tower of the Metropolitan
Cathedral, where it remained until
1885.
• In 1885 it was transferred to the
National Museum of Archaeology
and History in Mexico City.
The face
portrayed at
the center of
the stone is
generally
interpreted as
the Mexican
sun god,
Tonatiuh
Tonatiuh
Symbolizes
the Fifth Sun,
the sun of
Motion
.
Tonatiuh is also called the Earth-Quake Sun
Tonatiu, The
Earth-Quake Sun
The Aztecs
believed that the
world was
destroyed and recreated four times
prior to the
current era or sun.
They believe
the current era will also be destroyed.
The four
quadrants spaced
around the central
figure represent
the preceding
eras, or suns
Each contains a
representation of
the name of the
particular era
derived from the
sign of its last
day, a name that also indicates the way of its destruction
The first, on the
upper right, designates
the first Sun, 4-Jaguar,
followed in
counterclockwise
order by the second
Sun, 4-Wind;
the third sun, 4-Rain;
and the fourth sun, 4Water.
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The Second Ring
The second ring from
the center is
composed of the 20
named days
contained in one
month. Each year
starts on one of
four of these 20
days.
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1st Day: Crocodile
Cipactli
• Protector of the day
Cipactli (Crocodile) is
Tonacatecuhtli, Lord of
Nurturance, the
primordial god of
creation and fertility.
Cipactli is an auspicious
day, signifying
advancement and honor.
It depicts energy and
work, rewards and
recognition. A good day
for beginnings.
2nd Day: Wind
Ehecatl
3rd Day: Underworld or House
Calli
4th Day: Lizard
Cuetzpallin
5th Day: Snake
Coatl
6th Day: Death
Miquiztli
7th Day: Deer
Mazatl
8th Day: Rabbit
Tochtli
• The bearer of
this year is
Tochtli (Rabbit).
As a year-bearer
Tochtli is
associated with
the south.
9th Day: Water
Atl
10th Day: Dog
Izcuintli
11th Day: Monkey
Ozomatli
12th Day: Grass or Dry Herb
Malinalli
• 13-day period Malinalli
(Grass) is ruled by
Mayahuel, Goddess of the
Maguey and Pulque. These
are 13 days of
intoxication, infatuation,
excitement and passion: it
is a time of excesses,
when moderation is
impossible, and so is often
a time of disastrous
consequences. These are
good days to bind the
community together; bad
days to sow discord and
discontent.
13th Day: Reed or Cane
Acatl
14th Day: Jaguar
Ocelotl
15th Day: Eagle
Cuahtli
16th Day: Owl or Vulture
Cozcacuauhtli
17th Day: Movement or
Earthquake
Ollin
18th Day:
Obsidian Knife or Stone
Tecpatl
19th Day: Rain
Quiahuitl
20th Day: Lord or Flower
Xochitl