Aztec turquoise mask from Xiuhtecuhtli tells the story of a violent ritual
A 16th-century mask, believed to symbolize the Aztec fire god Xiuhtecuhtli, has gone on display at the British Museum in London. Made of Spanish cedar wood and decorated with turquoise mosaic, mother-of-pearl eyes, gold edging and shell teeth, the artifact is considered a remarkable example of Aztec artistry. The height is 16.8 centimeters and the intricate details include small holes at the temples, indicating that it may have been worn or mounted. Inside, cinnabar, a mercury-rich mineral, coats the mask.
Historical origin and significance
It is believed that the mask originated in Mesoamerica between 1400 and 1521, during the height of the Aztec Empire. Scholars associate it with treasures seized by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés during his conquest. Xiuhtecuhtli, known as the “turquoise lord” in the Nahuatl language, was central to Aztec mythology as the god of fire and renewal.
Central to Aztec rituals was the ‘new fire ceremony’, which was held every 52 years. If told by the British Museum, during this ritual the sacred fire was extinguished and rekindled by priests throughout the country. A sacrificial victim played a crucial role in this renewal ritual, with flames lit on their chest before their hearts were offered to the fire. It is believed that masks like these have been an integral part of such ceremonies.
Interpreting the iconography of the mask
The mask’s design features darker turquoise pieces that form a butterfly motif, another symbol of innovation in Aztec culture. Although it is commonly attributed to Xiuhtecuhtli, experts suggest it could instead depict Nanahuatzin, the wart-faced deity who mythologically became the sun after self-sacrifice. The ambiguity surrounding its representation reflects the complex symbolism within Aztec art.
The turquoise mask provides a vivid link to the spiritual practices of the Aztec civilization, offering insight into their cultural emphasis on fire, renewal and transformation.
