The Monolith of Tlaloc: An Ancient Marvel
The people of ancient Mesoamerica excelled in stonework. Their most famous creation is the Monolith of Tlaloc. This massive stone sculpture, found in the Barranca of Santa Clara, has sparked much debate. Some believe it represents Tlaloc, the Aztec rain god. Others argue it depicts Chalchiuhtlicue, his sister or wife, also a water deity.
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Rediscovery and Identification
The monolith remained buried after the Spanish conquest. In the mid-19th century, a peasant unearthed part of it while gathering firewood. By 1889, painter José María Velasco identified it as Chalchiuhtlicue. In 1903, archaeologist Leopoldo Batres claimed it was Tlaloc. Locals called it the Piedra de los Tecomates due to its circular crevices resembling jicaras or tecomates.
Cultural Significance and Beliefs
The local population attributed miraculous powers to the sculpture. Believing it could attract rain if the crevices were wet. They also thought the water collected in them had healing properties. People offered gifts to the monolith, praying for rain and good harvests. It also became a tourist attraction.
Government Intervention and Relocation
In 1963, President Adolfo López Mateos planned to move the Aztec monolith to the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. The government promised the community several public works in exchange. These included road paving, a primary school, a health center, and water wells.
Community Resistance and Final Transfer
The transfer faced delays and growing opposition. Locals feared losing a tourist attraction and believed the monolith’s absence would affect rainfall. On February 23, 1964, the community rebelled. They destroyed structures built for the move and deflated truck tires. The government postponed the transfer but resumed it on April 16, 1964, with military support.
The Journey to Mexico City
The colossal Aztec basalt statue, weighing 168 tons, finally moved to Mexico City in 1964. It traveled on a special trailer with dozens of rubber tires. Despite sabotage attempts, the move succeeded. Villagers lined up to watch the statue pass by. An unseasonable downpour followed, which some saw as a divine sign. Scholars still debate whether the statue represents Tlaloc or a female deity.
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