Sandstone seated figure of Mictlantecuhtli

myminifactory

This sculpture represents Mictlantecuhtli, Aztec god associated with death, who rules over the Underworld (Mictlan). The sandstone used to create it does not originate from the Mexican highlands and was likely obtained in Veracruz. Three glyphs are carved on his back: 'Two Skull', 'Five Vulture' and 'Four House'. Mictlantecuhtli, along with Mictlancihuatl, resides in the lowest of nine levels that divide Mictlan. The deceased person's soul goes to a specific level in Mictlan based on their death circumstances. Those who died from natural causes must navigate numerous obstacles to reach the ninth level. The deceased were cremated with some of their belongings and tools used during life, which helps guide souls through their perilous journey. In the 1980s, two massive ceramic figures of Mictlantecuhtli were discovered in the 'House of the Eagles', a building located within Tenochtitlan's Sacred Precinct. These colossal statues had blood stains on them, consistent with depictions in ancient codices of ceremonies where an image of Mictlantecuhtli is bathed in blood.