A Visual Guide to the Aztec Pantheon
The article explores the complexity of the Aztec pantheon, detailing over a hundred deities, their multifaceted attributes, historical challenges in documentation, and ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and collaboration in research.
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The article discusses the complexity of the Aztec pantheon, highlighting the author's journey of discovery regarding Aztec deities beyond the well-known figures like Quetzalcoatl and Tlaloc. Through the study of Aztec codices, the author has compiled and restored illustrations of over a hundred gods, aiming to make academic research more accessible and to celebrate the richness of Aztec mythology. The article emphasizes that Aztec gods often embody multiple domains, including seemingly contradictory aspects such as life and death. It also notes the historical challenges in studying Aztec culture due to the destruction of materials by both the Aztecs and Spanish conquerors. The author acknowledges the contributions of early anthropologists and missionaries who documented aspects of Aztec life and religion. The project is ongoing, with plans to expand the database of gods and invite collaboration for further research.
- The Aztec pantheon includes over a hundred deities, each with complex attributes.
- Aztec gods often represent multiple and contradictory domains.
- Historical documentation of Aztec culture faced significant challenges due to destruction by conquerors.
- The project aims to make Aztec mythology more accessible and celebrate its cultural significance.
- Collaboration is encouraged to enhance the understanding and representation of Aztec deities.
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