In Aztec mythology, Xiuhtecuhtli (also Huehueteotl, "old god") was the personification of life after death, light in darkness and food during famine. He was usually depicted with a red or yellow face and a censer on his head. His wife was Chalchiuhtlicue.
At the end of the Aztec century (52 years), the gods were thought to be able to end their covenant with humanity. Feasts were held in honor of Xiuhtecuhtli to keep his favors, and human sacrifices were burned after removing their heart.
Huehueteotl is one of very few gods depicted is such an aged state, but it represented his great wisdom.
Huehueteotl also tends to wear a large brazier marked with symbols of fire and which may itself have held incense.
Huehueteotl's role in this was due to the Aztec belief that, as an ancient pillar of the universe, Huehueteotl's fire ran throughout the entire world, linking the fires in every Aztec home and every Aztec temple.
Feeds |
Contact