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Xochipilli necklace

Xochipilli, Aztec drum necklace in sterling silver

This pendant is inspired by an Aztec archaeological piece from one of the great Pre-Hispanic civilizations of Mexico. It represents a "Teponaztli," a horizontal slit drum of Mesoamerican origin. In this case, it is made of stone.

The Teponaztli was used in many Aztec ceremonies and festivities, playing a central role in culture and religious rituals. This drum also served as musical accompaniment during human sacrifices and sometimes even as a sacrificial altar ("techcatl") or a receptacle for the heart or blood of the victims ("cuauhxicalli").

The drum depicted on this pendant embodies the god "Xochipilli," the twin brother of "Xochiquetzal." Xochipilli is the god of music, love, games, beauty, dance, flowers, and poetry, elements that symbolize joy and creativity in Aztec culture. His name means "prince of flowers," and he is sometimes identified as "Macuilxóchitl," or "5 flowers," though this is an equivalent of the same god.

The iconography of Xochipilli is rich in symbols. His eyes take the form of hands, an intriguing and significant detail in Aztec art. Additionally, some see the shape of a butterfly in his mouth, adding an extra dimension to his association with beauty and nature.

This Aztec drum would have been crafted between 1325 and 1521 AD. The original is housed in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, a premier institution for the preservation and celebration of Mesoamerican heritage.

 

Metal: sterling silver (925).

Dimensions: 1.65 x 0.86 in (4.2 x 2.2 cm).

Length of the necklace: 35.4 in (90 cm).

Manufacturing time: 5 business days.

 

As we are based in Mexico, please allow 3 to 6 weeks for delivery to receive your order for free with standard postal service. Thank you for taking this information into account before ordering in our shop. At checkout, you will also have the option of choosing an express shipping. (please read the full shipping terms here).

You have a question? Contact us.

I hope you will love this jewel as much as I enjoyed creating it.

By Emmanuelle Guyon.

Tags: Aztec, legend, Pre-Hispanic, Pre-Columbian, America, Mexico, Mexican, archaeology, codex, archaeological, mythology, god, Xochipilli, Mesoamerica, music, drum, Techcatl, Cuauhxicalli, Xochiquetzal, civilization, ceremony, rite, Teponaztli, reproduction, museum, art, dance, poetry, flower, game, love, Macuilxóchitl, beauty

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