Head of Xilonen, the Goddess of Young Maize
Creator Name
Cultural Context
--
Date
Source
About the Work
Art Institute of Chicago Object Description
This sculptural fragment represents Xilonen, the youthful Aztec (Mexica) goddess of new maize (corn), who embodies concepts of fertility and renewal. Two large ears of maize rise from her floral headband, with long tassels flowing down her back. In July the Aztecs held a spectacular agricultural festival in Xilonen’s honor to celebrate the first fruits of the summer season. During this ritual ceremony, a young girl impersonated the
goddess, dancing to bring forth an abundant harvest. The name Xilonen was Hispanicized in Mexico as elote, meaning “fresh, tender ear of corn.”
goddess, dancing to bring forth an abundant harvest. The name Xilonen was Hispanicized in Mexico as elote, meaning “fresh, tender ear of corn.”
Work details
"--" = no data available
= Curationist added metadataTitle
Creator
Worktype
Cultural Context
--
Material
Dimensions
Technique
--
Language
--
Date
Provenance
Style Period
Rights
Inscription
--
Location
Source
Subjects
Topic
--
Related Content
--
All Works in Curationist’s archives can be reproduced and used freely. How to attribute this Work:
Aztec (Mexica)
Tenochtitlan, Mexico, Head of Xilonen, the Goddess of Young Maize, 1400–1500, Art Institute of Chicago. Public Domain.
Help us improve this content!
Let our archivists know if you have something to add.
Save this work.
Start an account to add this work to your personal curated collection.
