Have you heard of the famous Sun Stone ? This mythical mineral, steeped in legend from an ancient civilization, was called by many the Aztec calendar. Spiritual Energy brings you this article so you can learn all about this marvelous and historic stone. Don't miss it and keep reading to find out more.
What is the Sun Stone?
This famous object is a wheel carved from a single piece of olivine basalt. It bears inscriptions referring to the mystical narratives of Mexico and to sun rituals. For many years, it has been mistakenly called the Aztec calendar, since it can be used to keep track of days, eras, and other events. However, several researchers have attributed various functions and meanings to it.
This magnificent stone comes from the Zócalo in Mexico City and is currently housed in the National Museum of Anthropology in the same city. It was discovered on December 17, 1790, 230 years ago, by Count Juan Vicente de Güemes Pacheco de Padilla y Horcasitas , also known as Countess of Revila Gigedo . Studies suggest that this large disc was constructed between 1250 and 1521 AD , before the Spanish colonization by the Aztecs.
A little of you history
It is known that this monument was created during the Mesoamerican Postclassic period, although its creator remains unclear. Even less certain is the purpose of this large rock; as we have mentioned, there are several explanations for its function. It was quarried from a volcano called Xitle , apparently in the San Ángel or Xochimilco area.
The most impressive part of its story is that, according to studies conducted by soil specialist Ezequiel Ordoñez, around 1893, this majestic rock was dragged, perhaps by thousands of men, for a distance of twenty-two kilometers to what was then the capital of the conquest, known as Mexico-Tenochtitlan . It is now available on our blog about labradorite.
The Sun Stone was in the capital of the Aztec Empire until the conquest by the colonizers in the 15th century. It was later moved to the Templo Mayor, very close to the Viceroy's Palace, where it was displayed until the head of the Church, Alonso de Montúfar, ordered it buried. It was then discovered during construction work in the capital.
Since then, it was called the Aztec calendar, since it was believed that its function was to be an artifact to measure the state of the weather. However, several scholars have reached the conclusion that the sun stone could also have the function of being a container for the sacrifices that were offered to the divinities.
On July 2, 1791, the Sun Stone was placed next to the tower of the Metropolitan Cathedral. Around this time, the great Alexander von Humboldt visited this monument to conduct research on its iconography. During the American invasion of Mexico, this large rock was used for target practice.
In 1964, the Sun Stone was relocated to the monolith hall of the National Museum of Anthropology and History. Previously, before the discovery of the Tlaltecuhtli sculpture , representing the earth deities and standing approximately four meters tall, it was believed that this rock was the largest ever discovered in Mexico.
Physical characteristics
The first thing we can say is that this great circular stone has a dimension of 3 meters with 60 meters in diameter and 122 centimeters thick. In addition to this it weighs more than 24 tons, imagine all that the poor men suffered who dragged it 22 kilometers. At present, this monument is in a firm physical state of preservation, however, its original position has been dissipating due to the periods of outdoor exhibition.
On the other hand, it can be said that the central area exhibits deterioration due to various lead bombardments which have deformed the central face that can be seen in the stone of the sun.
Meaning of symbols
Like many other monuments, the stone of the sun is composed of various sculptural motifs that surround its area, perhaps with the purpose of giving a meaning to the complex mythical narrative in response to the origin of the universe, in this case the Mexica civilization. This monumental sculpture is made up of a succession of centered circles with carved symbols.
These perhaps seek to summarize the idea of the climatological situation that the Aztecs had, it is also believed that it could give an explanation about how they perceived the world and tell their story in this way. Next, we will detail the meaning of each of its circles, do not miss it.
center of the circle
This first disc depicts the sun god Tonatiuh , with a glyph representing movement and a stone knife used for sacrifices, representing his tongue. It can also be observed that he holds a human heart in each hand, and in the center of the figure are two predatory claws, one orbiting below and the other above, totaling four, which signifies 4 Ollin, an ideogram alluding to the Fifth Sun.
It is known that this ancient Mexican civilization divided time into suns or eras. That is to say, each era was governed by an omnipotence and each one of these eras or suns had an opening and an end, which was precipitated by calamities. In this first circle allusion is made to the current era.
In addition, it is known that for the Aztec people, the ritual sacrifices had a sacred trade, since with them they sustained the sun of their era in order not to become extinct.
the four eras
Before continuing with the explanation of the other component discs of this majestic sun stone, we will briefly explain how the Aztecs saw the beginning and end of their eras. This one that alludes so much from the first central disc.
One can begin by alluding to the 4 squares that surround the central God , understanding that these symbolize the first four suns that preceded the current Fifth Sun.
The first upper right square personifies the 4 Jaguar , which would signify the day that, after 676 years, the initial era concluded when beasts sprouted from the depths of the earth and devoured humanity.
Further to the left is 4 Wind , which signifies that after 364 years, storm currents shook the earth, causing those who survived to transform into monkeys. To the east, 4 Rain is visible , reflecting that the universe persisted for 312 years, and those who inhabited it either perished or were transformed into turkeys after a torrential rain of fire.
In the lower right quadrant is 4 Water , which represents the origin of our cosmos. It states that it lasted approximately 676 years and ended when its inhabitants succumbed, imprisoned by the currents of water, and were transformed into fish. The duration of these eras or suns was represented in years, but through the lens of this ancient civilization, for example, they frequently featured the numbers 676, 364, and 312.
They used these numbers since they are multiples of 52, which meant 52 years, which is the permanence of an Aztec century. This is why they enunciated a certain established sum of Aztec centuries. It is in this way that 676 years represent 13 Aztec centuries and 364 years are 7 and 312 years represent 6 Aztec centuries. This would make a succession of 13, 7, 6 and 13. In conclusion, the Aztec centuries would be 39, which would be divided into 2028 years. A bit complicated right?
Cardinal points
This is another point to consider before proceeding with the development of the symbology on the Aztec sunstone discs. These are located in the central circle of the stone between the symbols that represent the ages. These were represented in the following way.
- North as a sign 1 Flint.
- El Speaking on it was the sign 1 Rain.
- This was represented with xiuhuitzolli a heraldic sign.
- West personified with the sign 7 Monkey.
Furthermore, this section of the rock displays each of the four cardinal directions, linked by a group of five day signs, a group of five 13-day weeks, and a group of Aztec years. You might also want to read about black tourmaline.
first ring
The first circle or disc depicts a crown formed by the pictograms of the 20 named days of the sacred Aztec calendar, called the Tonalpohualli , which gives it a counterclockwise orientation. It is also known that these 20 days were agreed upon using 13 digits until a sacred year of 260 days was established, each day represented by different figures.
It is made up of 20 equal portions with shapes that personify every day of the month. This ring was incorporated into the two-peso coin. But in a different way than the one that could be observed in the majestic stone of the sun.
Second ring
The second disk is made up of various square fractions, in each element it can be seen that it holds 5 points, of which it is believed that the 5-day weeks were symbolized. In addition, it is seen that there are 8 corners that divide the rock into 8 portions, which according to research could represent the sun's rays located in the direction of the cardinal points.
Third ring
The third circle of the Sun Stone is believed to represent the mouths of two fire serpents that envelop and frame the rock, placing the god in the sky. Their features were carved and divided into sections that would represent flames. It is believed that these sections symbolize the 52 cycles of the year, which would be the Aztec century of 52 years. Once a 52-year period was completed, the New Fire ceremony was celebrated.
When observing the top of the Sun Stone, a quadrangular shape is carved between the serpents' tails. This is believed to represent the date Matlactli Omey-Ácatl , which is thought to correspond to 1479. This would be the period in which the New Fire ceremony was celebrated during the reign of Axayácatl , and it is considered to be the period in which this almanac was created. Further along, one can observe the eight parallel reliefs that symbolize different constellations.
Fourth ring
Also known as the Venusian cycles, it is composed of forty sections of five points called quinquences , which are the five-pointed figures that form a quadrilateral. It also contains eight triangles or rays. These quinquences are interpreted as a symbol of the movements of the planet Venus. For every five rotations of this celestial body around the Sun, eight years of the solar or urban period have passed, which multiplied together equals 40.
Fifth, sixth and seventh ring
In these discs of the stone of the sun different compendia can be visualized, such as, for example, the figures in the shape of domes, plumage and other details from which different comments have germinated. Among them is deciphered as the alliance of heaven and Earth, the stars Mars, Mercury and Saturn or the Milky Way.
stone position
Several studies of this famous rock determined that its original position was vertical, as this would have made it easier to carve all the symbols found on it. Another investigation by Alfredo Chavero suggests that it may have been placed at a 20-degree angle, making its original position horizontal. Currently, these two proposals are the most widely accepted by specialists in this field.
Another hypothesis put forward by specialist Hermann Beyer , regarding the Aztec Calendar for the year 1921, suggested that the Sun Stone was unfinished. He also mentioned that the carvers probably intended to create a monolith quite similar in shape to the well-known Stone of Tízoc or the recently discovered Cuauhxicalli of Moctezuma Ilhuicamina . His conclusion was that the stone was not finished and that a large fragment broke off once the carving work was completed.
In this way, it is believed that there was no other way than to transport the adjacent relief, only to the gap. And it is very logical, since when you look at this side you can see the entire circumference and in it the 32 symbols that commemorate the planet Venus, accompanied by knives for sacrifices.
These clues led other researchers to think that the position of the sun stone must have been definitively horizontal since it exposed the image of the solar relief as in other monoliths with a tubular structure that are known today.
Function of the Sun Stone
From the outset, we have mentioned that the exact function of this marvelous Sun Stone remains unknown. However, as with many other stones, it has been the subject of various investigations. One such investigation, carried out by Chavero many years ago, determined that, given its horizontal position, it could have served as a ceremonial platform. In other words, human sacrifices were performed upon it for various purposes.
This hypothesis gained strength when the painting, colored by the tlacuilos (scribes ) for Father Durán's * History of the Indies of New Spain and Mainland Islands* , depicted the period of Axayácatl 's reign . It showed the high priest extracting the heart of a sacrificed person on a monolith with characteristics similar to the Sun Stone.
From this theory, different discussions have arisen regarding whether this monument had the specific function of executing people on a gladiatorial platform. Or, on the contrary, whether it was a vessel in which the sacred food of the gods was placed. For dissenting writers, it can only be considered a sacrificial platform if that rock had a beam in the center.
Where the prisoner was chained with a white ribbon during the Tlacaxipehualiztli ceremony. Other specialists believe its function is a combination of both theories, since if sacrifices were performed there, it also received the blood and hearts of the chosen ones; that is, it would also function as a receptacle.
So this mystical stone of the sun is a calendar, a platform or a container, because although the answer is not certain, perhaps it is all three.
Numismatics
The sun stone has been so representative throughout the history of this beautiful country that it has been featured on the backs of coins of different denominations. Among these are the following.
- The first coin with a value of 5 cents at the beginning of the XNUMXth century. He presented a partial design of the solar rays of the radiance disk equivalent to the edge of the sun stone.
- Made between 1936 and 1943, the 5-cent coin was also materialized in nickel. This presented a wicked style of the solar flares of the circle of irradiation equivalent to the edge of the stone.
- The coin with a value of 10 cents from the middle of the last century, was elaborated with a partial design of the solar rays of the flash disc parallel to the edge of the piece.
- Between 1992 and 2002, the 5-centavo coin embedded in stainless steel was introduced. In turn, it represented a characterization of the solar rays of the circle of quincunxes parallel to the pentagon inscribed in the stone of the sun.
- The coin with a value of 10 cents was stamped in stainless steel and perpetrated between 1992 and 2002, it presents a partial scheme of the solar rays of the disk parallel to the pentagon inscribed in the stone. Starting in 2002, this coin was beaten by a smaller variety but with the same design.
- Made of minerals such as bronze and aluminum for the years 1992 to 2003, the 20-cent coin personifies the circle of approval parallel to the pentagon inscribed on the sun stone. Later, in 2004, smaller coins were executed, but with the same outline and using stainless steel as material.
- The 50 cent coin was made in bronze and aluminum for the years 1992 and 2002, it represented a partial stylization of the acatl or the 13th day similar to the pentagon inscribed on the piece. Then in 2002 smaller volume coins were made but with the same design and in stainless steel.
- For the year 1992, a coin was made with a value of one peso and it is bimetallic, which means that it has a bronze and aluminum center and a stainless steel ring around it. This one carries a partial stylization of the glow circle parallel to the edge of the piece.
- The 2-peso coin was made bimetallic, that is, it has an aluminum bronze middle and a stainless steel ring around it. It was made for the first time in 1992. It has a partial characterization of the day disk parallel to the edge of the coin. Sun stone.
- In the same way as the previous coin, this one was made with a bimetallic material with an aluminum bronze middle and a stainless steel ring. The 5-peso coin was produced around 1993. It has a partial outline of the circle of vipers parallel to the edge of the stone.
- Originating in 1990, the 10-peso coin was produced bimetallic, with a cupro-nickel center and an aluminum bronze ring. It has an innocuous characterization of the central ring in the middle of the piece.
- With a face value, the 500-peso coin was set in gold and made for the years 1985 and 1986, approximately on the occasion of the 1986 Soccer World Cup. It has a stylization of the complete ring behind the figure of a soccer player .
- Gold coin produced between 1918 and 1960 with a value of twenty pesos, it was carved with the stone of the sun in its entirety.
- Finally, the most recent piece made for the year 2007, with a value of 100, is made of 1 kilo of silver. And it usually displays the sun stone dutifully.
Curiosities of the stone
Surely you have ever heard about the sun stone, but do you know everything about it? This Mexican emblem that perhaps we should visit sometime in our lives contains certain curiosities that you may not want to miss. Next, we will tell you about them.
- Its initial length and thickness, that is, with which it was built, has degraded thanks to being exposed to the sun's rays for too long. Despite this, today the stone of the sun is not so deteriorated.
- It was located outside the west tower of the Metropolitan Cathedral for almost 100 years, until the time when Porfirio Diaz He ordered that it be taken to the National Museum then located on Calle Moneda.
- For a long time it was considered a boxing ring, only with the ritual and celebration sense that the wars and sacrifices of that time possessed.
- Its mystery originates around a legend called the myth of the five suns, where there is talk of a deity who created 2 more. Creating these in turn four children to populate the earth, they founded the seas, fire, wind and men and women. It is then that we speak of the center of the stone of the sun where the five suns are represented.
- Actually, it is not correct to call it the stone of the sun either, since originally, according to different scholars of the subject. It was created with the purpose of celebrating the sacred date that was the new fire ceremony that was carried out every 52 years and with which the rebirth of the Sun God was celebrated.
- It was buried in the year 1559 by the Spanish colonizers since they feared that pagan rites would be fulfilled, since at that time the 52 Aztec years were fulfilled.
- During the ancient civilization the sun stone was used horizontally and not vertically, as it is today. Well, as we have mentioned, one of the theories mentions that it functioned as a gladiatorial sacrifice platform. And this is why it has an opening that was used as a repository for the hearts and blood of the defeated warrior.
The Sun Stone has been one of the most important monuments that the Aztec civilization has left for the history of Mexico and the world. It has allowed us to learn about certain ancient traditions; its function remains unclear, but this does not diminish its allure.
This stone is undoubtedly something everyone should experience at least once in their lives; its age may fill us with the most profound spiritual energy imaginable. We hope this post has been helpful, and if you have any comments, please feel free to share them with us. If you enjoyed this article, we invite you to read more about amber.