TY - JOUR
T1 - THE TEMPLE OF QUETZALCOATL AT TEOTIHUACAN
T2 - Its Possible Ideological Significance
AU - Austin, Alfredo López
AU - Luján, Leonardo López
AU - Sugiyama, Saburo
PY - 1991/11
Y1 - 1991/11
N2 - In this article the significance of Teotihuacan's most sumptuous monument is studied: the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. Based on iconographie studies, together with the results of recent archaeological excavations, it is possible to deduce that the building was dedicated to the myth of the origin of time and calendric succession. The sculptures on its facades represent the Feathered Serpent at the moment of the creation. The Feathered Serpent bears the complex headdress of Cipactli, symbol of time, on his body. The archaeological materials discovered coincide with iconographie data and with this interpretation. Other monuments in Mesoamerica are also apparently consecrated in honor of this same myth and portray similar symbolism.
AB - In this article the significance of Teotihuacan's most sumptuous monument is studied: the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. Based on iconographie studies, together with the results of recent archaeological excavations, it is possible to deduce that the building was dedicated to the myth of the origin of time and calendric succession. The sculptures on its facades represent the Feathered Serpent at the moment of the creation. The Feathered Serpent bears the complex headdress of Cipactli, symbol of time, on his body. The archaeological materials discovered coincide with iconographie data and with this interpretation. Other monuments in Mesoamerica are also apparently consecrated in honor of this same myth and portray similar symbolism.
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U2 - 10.1017/S0956536100000419
DO - 10.1017/S0956536100000419
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:0026301099
SN - 0956-5361
VL - 2
SP - 93
EP - 105
JO - Ancient Mesoamerica
JF - Ancient Mesoamerica
IS - 1
ER -