MUSEE DU QUAI BRANLY - JACQUES CHIRAC
Paris
From April 3 to September 8, 2024
MEXICA OF GIFTS AND GODS AT TEMPLO MAYOR
View of the Mexica exhibition. Gifts and gods at the Templo Mayor © musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, photo Léo Delafontaine
Pot with the face of Tlaloc, offering 21 Templo Mayor archaeological zone, Mexico City, Mexico, 1440-1469, ceramic Museo del Templo Mayor-INAH, Mexico City
On February 21, 1978, the discovery of the sacred enclosure of the Templo Mayor made it possible to relaunch archaeological research on the Mexica.
It all started with the exhumation of the Moon goddess, Coyolxauhqui, by workers from an electricity company. For 45 years, researchers have been digging and discovering to explain this Mexica civilization and religious life within the ancient city of Tenochtit lan, the imperial capital.The exhibition, which the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac presents in association with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Mexico from April 3, 2024, invites the public to discover a unique presentation both in France and in Europe.
Among the most striking discoveries are two hundred and nine offerings buried in the Templo Mayor and under the surrounding squares.
The cavities dug in the embankments of buildings, chests or cut stone boxes contain the very rich offerings that the Mexica people intended for their most venerated deities to introduce themselves to them, pay homage to them and, sometimes, attempt to obtain favors in return.
them and, sometimes, attempt to obtain favors in return. Olmec mask, Offering 20 Templo Mayor archaeological zone, Mexico City, Mexico 1469-1481, Green metamorphic stone, Museo del Templo Mayor-INAH, Mexico City ©Foto Jorge Pérez de Lara. D.R. Secretaría de Cultura-INAH MEX
Codex Borbonicus Late 15th-early 16th century Accordion-folded bark paper, 0.39 × 14 m Paris, Library of the National Assembly
Anthropomorphic goddess statuette Chicomecoatl, corn goddess Mexico. Gifts and gods at the templo Mayor 1350 - 1521 Rituals associated with corn and agriculture Dense metamorphic rock of green color 32.5 x 24.5 x 5 cm, 5023 g © musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, photo Daniel Ponsard
These numerous donations, remarkable for their quantity, quality and diversity, include minerals, plants, animals, human beings and cultural objects. T hey come from many regions and echo the exceptional political and economic power that this empire had at the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in 1519.
The study of the offerings reveals a dynamic and predatory society which extended its political and economic domination from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from western Mexico to the current border with Guatemala.
These offerings demonstrate artistic excellence combined with complex symbolic thin king. The exhibition reflects this richness, history and fascinating Mexica society.
Immersing yourself in this culture allows a better understanding of its people, their spirituality and their environment but also offers a wonderful light
on a past that is so present.
Huehueteotl-Tlaloc Templo Mayor archaeological zone, Mexico City, Mexico, 1325 – 1521, basalt Museo del Templo Mayor-INAH, Mexico City ©D.R. Secretaría de Cultura-INAH-MEX. Museum of the Mayor’s Temple
3D modeling of Tenochtitlan ©Thomas Kole