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Title

Chalchiuhtlicue: Gallery Label - Current

Author

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Date

2011-07-18

Institution Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Chalchiuhtlicue (Chal-chee-oot-LEE-kway), literally "She of the Jade Skirt," is the Mexica* (meh-SHEE-kah) goddess of water and the wife of rain god Tlaloc (TLAH-loak). She is identifiable by her wide headband with large tassels. Stone or shell was once inlaid into her eyes, the incisions in her cheeks, and the cavity in her chest. However, the identity of this sculpture is also a bit ambiguous and may actually be a hybrid image of two Mexica goddesses. Her pose, standing with outstretched hands, is typical of the corn goddess Chicomecoatl (Chee-koh-may-KOH-atl). As Chicomecoatl, she would have held small ears of an ancient variety of corn. To complicate matters further, this may be neither Chalchiuhtlicue nor Chicomecoatl, but instead a masked man in the guise of the goddesses. A sculpture like this one would have been the focal point of a home altar.*The people known to many as 'Aztec' called themselves Mexica.
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Type: Commentary, Gallery Label - Current
Source: Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Rights: Copyright Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Added to Site: November 21, 2009