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Stone Jaguar Oceloti Cuauhxicalli Aztec - Mexico
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Stone Jaguar Oceloti Cuauhxicalli Aztec - Mexico
An Aztec Jaguar-shaped receptacle for the hearts of sacrifice victims, Templo Mayor ( Great Temple ), Tenochtitlan, Mexico City, Mexico. Date: circa 1930
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Media ID 14393937
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Aztec Carving Fierce Hearts Jaguar May16 Mexican Mexico Receptacle Sacrifice Teeth Tenochtitlan Victims
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases the intricately carved Stone Jaguar Oceloti Cuauhxicalli, an ancient Aztec receptacle for the hearts of sacrifice victims, discovered at the Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan, Mexico City, Mexico. Circa 1930, this image offers a haunting glimpse into the rich cultural history of the Aztec civilization. The Oceloti Cuauhxicalli, meaning "jaguar drum" or "jaguar vessel," is a stone sculpture carved in the form of a jaguar with fierce, bared teeth and piercing eyes. The jaguar, a powerful and revered symbol in Aztec mythology, represents strength, power, and the connection between the earth and the underworld. The receptacle was used during human sacrifices, where the hearts of victims were removed and offered to the gods as a sign of devotion and to ensure the continuation of the world. The hearts were placed in the jaguar's open mouth, which is depicted with its jaws wide, ready to consume the offerings. The Templo Mayor, or Great Temple, was the central religious complex of the Aztec empire, and was dedicated to multiple deities, including Huitzilopochtli, the god of the sun and war, and Tlaloc, the god of rain and fertility. The temple was built in the 14th century and was a significant site of religious and political power in the Aztec empire until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. This photograph, taken in the early 20th century, offers a rare and poignant glimpse into the past, revealing the intricate craftsmanship and the deep spiritual beliefs of the Aztec civilization. The Oceloti Cuauhxicalli stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and the enduring power of ancient symbols and traditions.
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