Eagle Cuauhxicalli in Mexico City, Mexico
The Catholic church of El Señor del Buen Despacho, or The Lord of the Prompt Dispatch, is home to a relic of the area's pre-Hispanic past. Excavations conducted adjacent to the church between 1980 and 1982 uncovered a sacrificial stone called a cuauhxicalli, roughly translating to "eagle vessel." After a ceremonial sacrifice, the Aztecs placed freshly harvested hearts on these avian-shaped stones. These vessels were seen as offering plates to the gods. Today, the village of Tlacoquemécatl, where this church is located, has since been completely absorbed by Mexico City. Still, hints of its past remain: From street layouts and names to the cuauhxicalli stone that sits at Christ's feet.
The Catholic church of El Señor del Buen Despacho, or The Lord of the Prompt Dispatch, is home to a relic of the area's pre-Hispanic past. Excavations conducted adjacent to the church between 1980 and 1982 uncovered a sacrificial stone called a cuauhxicalli, roughly translating to "eagle vessel." After a ceremonial sacrifice, the Aztecs placed freshly harvested hearts on these avian-shaped stones. These vessels were seen as offering plates to the gods.
Today, the village of Tlacoquemécatl, where this church is located, has since been completely absorbed by Mexico City. Still, hints of its past remain: From street layouts and names to the cuauhxicalli stone that sits at Christ's feet.
