Synopsis
Based on an Aztec Mythological tale, this projection animation explores the dramatic (and traumatic) family tale of Coatlicue, the Mother of the Gods. Presented in a narrative almost storybook-like format, it explores the beauty of miracles, the downfall of jealousy, and the price of bloodshed.
The Story
Coatlicue (Qwo-aht-lee-co-ay) lived on Coatepec, the hill of serpents. She had 400 sons, representing the stars, and one daughter, Coyolxauhqui (ko-hol-shahw-key), the goddess of the moon. One day, as she swept on Coatepec, feathers descended from the heavens. She tucked it in her belt, and it impregnated her. However, this pregnancy wasn't seen as a blessing to her children, who were outraged, jealous, and resentful. However... Coyolxauhqui, with her brothers behind her, decapitated her own mother. Yet, instead of falling to her knees, fire serpents emerged from her neck along with her son, Huitzilopochtli (wheats-zeel-low-poe-ch-teal), the god of the sun, fully grown and prepared to fight. He chops Coyolxauhqui's limbs off, then discards them off Coatepec. Thus is the reason the moon and sun fight for dominance in the sky.
The Characters
The Ideal Place
As I was trying to project on Saturday, I faced technical difficulties.
The Inspiration
Mixtec art (Aztecs drew their inspiration from the Mixtec)
Huitzilopochtli
Dismembered Coyolxauhqui
Coyolxauhqui's outfit inspiration
Coatlicue
Coatlicue
Aztec Calendar (not really a calendar)
The Research
The Art of Mesoamerica by Mary Ellen Miller
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