Wednesday, 25. April 2007
The Pointer of the Aztec Calendar

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At the center of the pointer of the Aztec Calendar there appears the face of Tonatiuh, the Sun. For this reason, the commonly-know Aztec Calendar has been identified as La piedra del sol, or the Sun Stone. We shall refer to the Aztec Calendar by its common name.

The Aztec Calendar's design is based on a set of concentric rings, divided into eight segments. The concentric ring around the fase of Tonatiuh consists of the Nahui Ollin, signifying 4 movement.


The four square-like spaces contain the glyphs for a) Nahui Ocelot (4 Tiger); b) Nahui Ehecatl (4 Wind); c) Nahui Quiahuitl (4 Rain); and d) Nahui Atl or Atonatiuh (4 Water). Above Tonatiuh is a double lunar-solar ray (e).

Below Tonatiuh, we may also observe the breastplate with two quinounx (f) and five featherlike (g) figures, respectively representing the quantities of 52 and 104 (as well as other designated sums). The claw-like figures (h) on either side of the face are said to represent those of an eagle, clutching human hearts, possibly representing a sacrifice to the Sun. The reader should also note the five coordinate circles (i), which have also been identified as representing specific numerical quantities.

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There is much debate about the significance of the elements in the pointer of the Aztec Calendar, as there is regarding almost all of the elements of the calendar itself. This brief essay is not concerned, however, with the specific interpretation of the elements within the pointer of the calendar; a subject which will be discussed in subsequent essays. Rather, we shall examine the design of the pointer and its possible relationship to the concentric ring that contains the day glyphs.

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The Pointer of the Aztec Calendar by Charles William Johnson.

Very interesting!

See also this animation, just simply fascinating. I had read of the conjecture on this theory but the animation brings it up to a new level: Paleoanimation of the Pakal Ancient Astronaut Sculpture of the Maya at Palenque.
More animations at Paleoanimation.

And: The Aztec Calendar - A Study of the Five Central Points.
Category: Buildings & Places | Symbols & Geometry |


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