Chimalpahin
@chimalpahinome.bsky.social
Maya tattoo tools recently found in a Belize cave (250–900 CE). Obsidian tips show black pigment. Tests confirmed the tools could pierce skin and deliver pigment. Researchers believe they were ritually broken and left as offerings, in line with Maya practices. #mesoamerica #mayan
May 25, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Maya tattoo tools recently found in a Belize cave (250–900 CE). Obsidian tips show black pigment. Tests confirmed the tools could pierce skin and deliver pigment. Researchers believe they were ritually broken and left as offerings, in line with Maya practices. #mesoamerica #mayan
A copper turtle from the site of Paquimé, Mexico. It is a rattle that has a hollow interior, and its tail forms a loop, suggesting it was designed to be worn or hung as an ornament. Dated to 1200-1400 CE. #mexico #history #archeology
February 17, 2025 at 11:07 PM
A copper turtle from the site of Paquimé, Mexico. It is a rattle that has a hollow interior, and its tail forms a loop, suggesting it was designed to be worn or hung as an ornament. Dated to 1200-1400 CE. #mexico #history #archeology
This vase features a hummingbird perched on a cup, possibly symbolizing a flower. A key piece in a grand offering at Tomb 1 in Zaachila (1225 AD). Linked to warriors, the sun, and resurrection, this tiny bird was a symbol of magic and life. #mesoamerica #mixtec #art #history #mexico
February 16, 2025 at 3:50 PM
This vase features a hummingbird perched on a cup, possibly symbolizing a flower. A key piece in a grand offering at Tomb 1 in Zaachila (1225 AD). Linked to warriors, the sun, and resurrection, this tiny bird was a symbol of magic and life. #mesoamerica #mixtec #art #history #mexico
This obsidian mirror once belonged to John Dee, advisor to Elizabeth I. Used for scrying practices (communicating with spirits), it was originally made in Mexico and brought to Europe after the Spanish conquest. Obsidian mirrors were a sacred indigenous object in Mesoamerica. #mexico #history
February 8, 2025 at 10:32 PM
This turquoise mosaic jaguar, features tesserae of dark green malachite, pyrite accents resembling mirrors, and engraved mother-of-pearl on its underbelly. Made from Cedrela odorata wood, it includes a shallow, gilded bowl on its back, possibly for offerings. #mixtec #aztec #mexica #mexico #history
January 25, 2025 at 12:52 AM
English: I have two cats
Spanish: Yo tengo dos gatos
Yucatec Mayan: Teene’ yaan teen ka’atúul miis
Spanish: Yo tengo dos gatos
Yucatec Mayan: Teene’ yaan teen ka’atúul miis
January 22, 2025 at 10:10 PM
English: I have two cats
Spanish: Yo tengo dos gatos
Yucatec Mayan: Teene’ yaan teen ka’atúul miis
Spanish: Yo tengo dos gatos
Yucatec Mayan: Teene’ yaan teen ka’atúul miis
One of my favorite pieces of Mesoamerican art, “Pato loco” or crazy duck. Found in Teotihuacan, it deviates a lot from the artistic norms of this era and some thought it was fake. No matter what era or place there are artists that challenge the “norm”. #mesoamerica #teotihuacan #art #mexico
January 20, 2025 at 1:24 AM
One of my favorite pieces of Mesoamerican art, “Pato loco” or crazy duck. Found in Teotihuacan, it deviates a lot from the artistic norms of this era and some thought it was fake. No matter what era or place there are artists that challenge the “norm”. #mesoamerica #teotihuacan #art #mexico
Cat in various indigenous languages of Mexico.
Nahuatl = miston
Yucatec Maya = miis
Otomi= mixi
Purepecha = misitu
Mixteco = Chitú
Tzeltal = Katu
Chontal = mish
#indigenous #language #mexico
Nahuatl = miston
Yucatec Maya = miis
Otomi= mixi
Purepecha = misitu
Mixteco = Chitú
Tzeltal = Katu
Chontal = mish
#indigenous #language #mexico
January 19, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Cat in various indigenous languages of Mexico.
Nahuatl = miston
Yucatec Maya = miis
Otomi= mixi
Purepecha = misitu
Mixteco = Chitú
Tzeltal = Katu
Chontal = mish
#indigenous #language #mexico
Nahuatl = miston
Yucatec Maya = miis
Otomi= mixi
Purepecha = misitu
Mixteco = Chitú
Tzeltal = Katu
Chontal = mish
#indigenous #language #mexico
In the Sacred Cenote at the Maya city of Chichen Itza nearly 500 gold artifacts have been found, including figurines, bells, circular plaques, and pendants, many of which came from other parts of Central America, particularly Panama and Costa Rica through trade. #mesoamerica #chichenitza #maya
January 18, 2025 at 1:13 PM
In the Sacred Cenote at the Maya city of Chichen Itza nearly 500 gold artifacts have been found, including figurines, bells, circular plaques, and pendants, many of which came from other parts of Central America, particularly Panama and Costa Rica through trade. #mesoamerica #chichenitza #maya
This jade mask of Maya ruler K'inich Janaab Pakal, made from 200 jade pieces with shell eyes and obsidian irises, is a masterpiece. Its open mouth reveals the ik' symbol, representing wind or life’s breath. #mayan #maya #mesoamerica #jade #art #indigenous
January 15, 2025 at 10:14 PM
This jade mask of Maya ruler K'inich Janaab Pakal, made from 200 jade pieces with shell eyes and obsidian irises, is a masterpiece. Its open mouth reveals the ik' symbol, representing wind or life’s breath. #mayan #maya #mesoamerica #jade #art #indigenous
The pendant from an offering from the Templo Mayor depicts a male figure in a lotus position, possibly representing Quetzalcoatl. Made of jadeite from Guatemala's Motagua River, the piece shows muscovite. Its left eye contains hematite pigment. #Archaeology #MesoamericanArt #aztec #mexica
January 1, 2025 at 8:56 PM
The pendant from an offering from the Templo Mayor depicts a male figure in a lotus position, possibly representing Quetzalcoatl. Made of jadeite from Guatemala's Motagua River, the piece shows muscovite. Its left eye contains hematite pigment. #Archaeology #MesoamericanArt #aztec #mexica
This vessel’s simple and elegant design highlights the exceptional skill of the artist. Inscriptions of the names of the artist, his mother and father appear on this vessel. For the Maya, water Lilies were symbolic of the watery surface of the underworld. #mesoamerica #mayan #mexico #history
December 30, 2024 at 10:38 PM
This vessel’s simple and elegant design highlights the exceptional skill of the artist. Inscriptions of the names of the artist, his mother and father appear on this vessel. For the Maya, water Lilies were symbolic of the watery surface of the underworld. #mesoamerica #mayan #mexico #history
A Mexica ehecacozcatl ("wind jewel") made from shell, showcases a feathered serpent, symbolizing Quetzalcoatl, with intricate details like human hands holding a flower and a knife. The flower is the Philodendron Affine also known as huacalxochitl. #Aztec #Quetzalcoatl #mexica #mexico #history
December 8, 2024 at 4:41 PM
A Mexica ehecacozcatl ("wind jewel") made from shell, showcases a feathered serpent, symbolizing Quetzalcoatl, with intricate details like human hands holding a flower and a knife. The flower is the Philodendron Affine also known as huacalxochitl. #Aztec #Quetzalcoatl #mexica #mexico #history
This Toltec mosaic disc was discovered in 1992 at the Palacio Quemado in Tula. Initially found in poor condition, researchers went on a two year long restoration project to restore the shield to its current condition. #toltec #mesoamerica #mosaicart #mexico #indigenous #art
December 7, 2024 at 2:56 PM
This Toltec mosaic disc was discovered in 1992 at the Palacio Quemado in Tula. Initially found in poor condition, researchers went on a two year long restoration project to restore the shield to its current condition. #toltec #mesoamerica #mosaicart #mexico #indigenous #art
The mosaic skull of Tezcatlipoca is a Mixtec-Nahua piece found in the British Museum. This piece is thought to be associated with the deity Tezcatlipoca due to the three black bands on the skull which Tezcatlipoca is often depicted with on his face. #mexica #aztec #britishmuseum #mesoamerica
December 1, 2024 at 2:37 PM
The mosaic skull of Tezcatlipoca is a Mixtec-Nahua piece found in the British Museum. This piece is thought to be associated with the deity Tezcatlipoca due to the three black bands on the skull which Tezcatlipoca is often depicted with on his face. #mexica #aztec #britishmuseum #mesoamerica
A Mexica artifact, the turquoise mosaic serpent located in the British Museum, was carved from Cedrela odorata wood into a U-shaped body. While its reverse side was gilded in gold, the front was intricately decorated with turquoise tesserae that mimicked the scaly texture of a snake. #mexica #aztec
November 30, 2024 at 8:57 PM
The Ahuízotl, a legendary creature from Mesoamerican mythology, was said to instill terror in those who ventured near water. With a hand-like appendage at the tip of its tail, the Ahuízotl would seize its victim, dragging them into the depths. #aztec #mythology #mexica #mexico #history #ahuitzotl
November 29, 2024 at 7:57 PM
The Ahuízotl, a legendary creature from Mesoamerican mythology, was said to instill terror in those who ventured near water. With a hand-like appendage at the tip of its tail, the Ahuízotl would seize its victim, dragging them into the depths. #aztec #mythology #mexica #mexico #history #ahuitzotl
This scene from the Codex Mendoza illustrates a feast hosted by a newly married man seated on the right. Facing him are five guests, all identified as his peers, with one recognized as a youth leader. The banquet is for the groom to request retirement from the tepochcalli.
#aztec #mexica #history
#aztec #mexica #history
November 28, 2024 at 7:07 PM
In pre-colonial Nahua society, the consumption of tobacco was the privilege of nobles and merchants. Breathing in flowers was a refined delight reserved for leaders and
brave warriors. Here pictured, the tlatoani Moctezuma with a bouquet of flowers and pipe for smoking tobacco. #mexica #aztec
brave warriors. Here pictured, the tlatoani Moctezuma with a bouquet of flowers and pipe for smoking tobacco. #mexica #aztec
November 28, 2024 at 3:41 AM
Mexica Gold Labret from the British Museum. 1325-1521 CE
November 23, 2024 at 5:12 PM
Mexica Gold Labret from the British Museum. 1325-1521 CE