In the heart of what is now Mexico City, a city with a rich history that dates back to the Aztec era, a team of dedicated archaeologists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have unearthed a remarkable artifact that sheds light on the intricate artistry and culture of the Mexica people. A painted Aztec snake carving, buried beneath the bustling streets of the modern metropolis, has been discovered, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Mexica civilization.
A Glimpse into the Past
Tenochtitlan, the Mexica capital, was a marvel of its time. It was perched on a raised islet in the western part of Lake Texcoco, which is now part of the historic district of Mexico City. Founded by the Mexica, a Nahuatl-speaking indigenous people, the city blossomed following the decline of the Toltec civilization. The Mexica employed a unique system called "chinampas" to transform the islet into a bustling city-state. They created rectangular plots of fertile arable land on the shallow lake beds, allowing them to cultivate crops and sustain their growing population.
As Tenochtitlan prospered, it became a pivotal component of the Triple Alliance, alongside Texcoco and Tlacopan, forming a powerful force in Mesoamerica. By the time Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1519, Tenochtitlan had reached its zenith. The city was home to an estimated population ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 residents, making it one of the largest cities in the world at the time.
The Impact of the Conquest
Tragically, the encounter with the Spanish conquistadors had devastating consequences for the Mexica people. They were exposed to diseases for which they had no natural immunity, and a devastating outbreak of smallpox swept through the population. This led to a significant population decline, with estimates suggesting that over 50% of the region's inhabitants fell victim to this deadly disease.
A Glimpse into Mexica Artistry
Recent excavations, undertaken at the former School of Jurisprudence of the UNAM, located in the Historic Center of Mexico City, have unveiled a stunning Aztec snake carving, buried 4.5 meters beneath the modern street level. The carving is an impressive 1.8 meters in length and 1 meter in height. Remarkably, it was found outside of its original context along with several architectural elements.
The excavation team was fortunate in preserving the rich colors of the carving, thanks to the unique conditions in the soil. Traces of ochre, red, blue, black, and white pigments have survived, covering over 80% of the carving's surface. To ensure the preservation of these fragile pigments, which provide insight into the Mexica's color palette for decorating cult images and temples, researchers have employed a humidity chamber. This preservation work will continue into 2024 to ensure that the painting endures for future generations to admire.
Barajas Rocha, who played a significant role in conserving the color on the monolith of the goddess Tlaltecuhtli, explained the importance of this painstaking preservation process, stating, "These pigments, which represent a typical example of the color palette that the Mexica used to decorate their cult images and their temples, are extremely fragile due to the mineral and plant materials from which they were obtained."
The discovery of this painted Aztec snake carving offers a rare glimpse into the artistry and culture of the Mexica civilization. It reminds us of the rich history that lies beneath the modern streets of Mexico City, a city that was once the magnificent capital of an empire that thrived long before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. As the preservation work continues, this remarkable artifact will continue to enrich our understanding of the Mexica people and their contributions to the world of art and civilization.
