La tierra como ser viviente en el arte teotihuacano

Abstract

This paper analises an image repeated in a series of Teotihuacan murals, one which, until recently, has been considered as still another of the representations of a multi-faceted "Great Goddess”, the existence of which has nevertheless been recently questioned. The abstract image – with monster-like characteristics – shows water and earth attributes. We find this image not only in Teotihuacan but also in the epiclassic art of Xochicalco and Cacaxtla. The author proposes that in Teotihuacan art the representation of supernatural mouths offers a key in interpreting this image as a visual manifestation of the living earth. It is more likely symbolic and not a representation of an earth divinity. Based upon analysis here, a structural and iconographic analogy is suggested between the image of the living earth and the Ciudadela complex, one of the most important in Teotihuacan.