Coatlicue
Introduction
Coatlicue, a prominent deity in Aztec mythology, is revered as the earth goddess and the mother of gods, humans, and the cosmos. Her name, derived from the Nahuatl language, translates to "She of the Serpent Skirt," reflecting her association with fertility, life, and death. Coatlicue's mythology is deeply intertwined with the Aztec cosmology and religious practices, serving as a symbol of the dual nature of creation and destruction.
Mythological Background
Coatlicue is a central figure in the pantheon of Aztec deities, embodying the earth's nurturing and destructive aspects. She is often depicted wearing a skirt of serpents and a necklace of human hearts, hands, and skulls, symbolizing her role as a life-giver and a harbinger of death. Her mythological narrative is closely linked to the birth of her son, Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and the sun.
According to Aztec mythology, Coatlicue was impregnated by a ball of feathers that fell from the sky while she was sweeping the temple on Coatepec, the Snake Mountain. This miraculous conception led to the birth of Huitzilopochtli, who emerged fully armed to defend his mother from his sister Coyolxauhqui and her 400 brothers, the Centzon Huitznahua, who sought to kill Coatlicue for her perceived dishonor.
Symbolism and Iconography
Coatlicue's iconography is rich with symbolic elements that convey her multifaceted nature. Her serpent skirt signifies fertility and the cyclical nature of life and death, while her necklace of human body parts underscores her connection to sacrifice and regeneration. The duality of her representation reflects the Aztec understanding of the universe as a balance between opposing forces.
The statue of Coatlicue, discovered in the late 18th century at the Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan, is one of the most iconic representations of the goddess. This monumental sculpture, standing over three meters tall, captures the awe-inspiring and fearsome aspects of Coatlicue, with her clawed feet and hands, and her face formed by two facing serpents.
Religious Significance
In Aztec religion, Coatlicue was venerated as the earth mother who nourished and sustained life. Her worship was integral to agricultural rituals, emphasizing the earth's fertility and the necessity of sacrifice to ensure the continuation of life. The Aztecs believed that human sacrifice was essential to appease the gods and maintain cosmic order, with Coatlicue playing a pivotal role in this belief system.
The festival of Tlacaxipehualiztli, dedicated to the god Xipe Totec, also involved the veneration of Coatlicue. This festival, held during the spring equinox, celebrated the renewal of life and the earth's fertility, with rituals that included human sacrifice and the flaying of victims to symbolize the shedding of old skin for new growth.
Cultural Impact
Coatlicue's influence extends beyond religious practices, permeating Aztec art, literature, and societal values. Her representation in Aztec codices and sculptures reflects the civilization's complex understanding of the natural world and the divine. The goddess's dual nature as a creator and destroyer is a recurring theme in Aztec poetry and oral traditions, illustrating the civilization's philosophical reflections on life and death.
In contemporary Mexican culture, Coatlicue remains a potent symbol of indigenous heritage and identity. Her image is often invoked in discussions about cultural continuity and the resilience of pre-Columbian traditions in the face of colonial disruption.