La Mesilla in Tecozautla, Hidalgo, Mexico — The Central Highlands (North America)
The Plaza and the Xiuhtecuhtli Temple
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 9, 2018
1. The Plaza and the Xiuhtecuhtli Temple Marker
La Plaza y el Templo a Xiuhtecuhtli
Aquí, en la plaza ceremonial está el templo de Xiuhtecuhtli – Othontecutli - Huehueteotl (Yozipa en hñahñu), el diosmás importante del Pahñu, el Dios del Fuego Viejo y Central. Su ceremonia se realizaba entre el 11 y el 30 de agosto, mes conocido como Xocotl Huetzi (Antangotu, en hñahñu), la Caída de los Frutos, el mes de la Fiesta de los Muertos Grandes o Huey Miccaihuitl.
Durante el ritual, se colocaba en el centro del patio un tronco que representaba la unión entre el inframundo, el plano terrestre y los niveles superiores. El poste tenía arriba un escudo con plumas blancas, lanzas, banderas en astas aserradas (de cactus), dos flores y dos objetos bifurcados o divididos. El dios se representaba con un ave. Abajo, varios hombres danzaban de forma ondulante simulando el movimiento de una serpiente, mientras otros trataban de subir para alcanzar el alimento que se encontraba arriba del poste. A los cautivos que iban a ser sacrificados se les arrojaba al fuego y, luego, aún vivos se les extraía el corazón.
Las ideas politicas, económicas y religiosas
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Pie de dibujo: Escena de Xocotl Huetzi (Códice Borbónico)
The Plaza and the Xiuhtecuhtli Temple
Here in the ceremonial plaza is the temple of Xiuhtecuhtli – Othontecutli - Huehueteotl (Yozipa in Hñahñu), the most important god of Pahñu, the God of the Old and Central Fire. The ceremony was performed between August 11 and 30, a month known as Xocotl Huetzi (Antangotu, in Hñahñu), the Falling of the Fruits, the month of the Celebration of the Great Dead Ones or Huey Miccaihuitl.
During the ritual, a tree trunk would be placed in the center of the patio representing the union between the underworld, the earth's surface and the higher levels. On top of the post was a shield with white feathers, spears, flags on sawed-off flagpoles (made of cactus), two flowers and two divided objects. The gods were represented with a bird. Below, several men danced in wave-like motions, simulating the movement of a snake, while others tried to climb up to reach the food found on top of the post. The captives who were going to be sacrificed would be thrown into the fire and then while still alive, their hearts would be removed.
The political, economic and religious ideas of ancient times considered
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 9, 2018
2. The Plaza and the Xiuhtecuhtli Temple Marker
The marker is almost in the center of the plaza, seen to the left of a tree in this view towards the south.
Caption: A scene from the Xocotl Huetzi (Codex Borbonicus)
Erected by Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes (CONACULTA) y el Instituto Nacional de Anthropología e Historia (INAH).
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Churches & Religion • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1500.
Location. 20° 30.322′ N, 99° 41.086′ W. Marker is in La Mesilla, Hidalgo, in Tecozautla. Marker can be reached from Entrada del Sitio Arqueológico de Pahñu, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: La Mesilla HGO 42460, Mexico. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Path of the Sun (a few steps from this marker); Tecpan: “The Government House” (within shouting distance of this marker); Circular Altar or Wheel of Sacrifice (Temalácatl) (within shouting distance of this marker); The Calendar on the Landscape (within shouting distance of this marker); Pyramid on Pyramid: the South Steps (within shouting distance of this marker); Tecpan: The Place of Duality (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sacred Landscape
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 9, 2018
3. The Plaza and the Xiuhtecuhtli Temple Marker
The reverse of the marker can be seen here to the left in this view to the north, with the Pyramid of the Sun in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 232 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 24, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
