The ancient civilization of Mexico is a world full of fascination and mystery. Within the grandeur of its pyramids and colossal stone statues lie the dark rituals of blood sacrifices, making this civilization a hotbed of curiosity and awe. The discovery of a temple dedicated to Xipe Totec has opened a new door, revealing the sinister and brutal aspects of Mesoamerican beliefs.
The excavations at the temple site to Xipe Tótec — the flayed god of ancient Central America. Picture: Mexican Institute of Anthropology and History
This discovery not only ignites curiosity about the gruesome skinning rituals but also raises questions about the ancient Mesoamerican society, religion, and value system. What drove them to carry out such cruel rites? What beliefs compelled them to offer human lives to the gods? And what is the true significance of these ceremonies?
How was the first temple dedicated to the god Xipe Totec discovered?
The excavation of the Popoloca site began in 2015, led by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) of Mexico. The initial objective was to understand the culture and history of the Popoloca people. However, in 2019, archaeologists discovered a temple dedicated to Xipe Totec, the “Flayed God” of the Mesoamerican people. This was the first time a temple dedicated to this pre-Hispanic god of fertility and war had been unearthed. The temple is located at the Popoloca site, which was inhabited by the Popoloca people from the 10th to the 13th century.
An historic depiction of a priest to Xipe Tótec. Note the distinctive ‘second hands’ dangling from the wrists which demonstrates the garment is a flayed human skin.
The god Xipe Totec
Xipe Totec is an important deity in Aztec religion and mythology. The name “Xipe Totec” translates to “Our Lord the Flayed One” or “The Flayed God.” He was associated with agriculture, fertility, springtime, and renewal, as well as with the renewal of life through sacrifice and regeneration.
Xipe Totec was often depicted wearing the flayed skin of a sacrificial victim, symbolizing the shedding of the old and the emergence of the new. This imagery was closely tied to agricultural cycles, as the flayed skin represented the shedding of the old crops to make way for new growth.
The god Xipe Totec
Who was the ‘The Flayed one’ ?
The blood-soaked ritual of sacrifice was conducted during the spring festival known as Tlacaxipehualiztli, or the “Flaying of Men.” Prisoners of war, often brave warriors captured in battle, were chosen as sacrificial victims. Following elaborate rituals and ceremonies, they were sacrificed, typically by having their hearts ripped out. Their skin was then flayed and worn by priests or draped over statues representing the god Xipe Totec for a period of time.
Note the distinctive ‘second hands’ dangling from the wrists which demonstrates the garment is a flayed human skin.
Artifacts discovered in the temple
The artefacts uncovered at the site include three stone sculptures of Xipe Totec: two skinned heads and a torso, whose back is covered in engravings representing the sacrificial skins worn by the god.
Two volcanic-rock ‘skinned skulls’ dedicated to Xipe Tótec — the flayed god of ancient Central America. Picture: Mexican Institute of Anthropology and History
“Sculpturally speaking it’s a very beautiful piece. It measures approximately 80 centimeters (30 inches) tall and has a hole in the belly, which according to historical sources is where a green stone was placed to ‘bring it to life’ for ceremonies,” said Noemi Castillo Tejero, the lead archaeologist on the project.
The skulls measure about 70 centimeters tall and weigh some 200 kilograms (440 pounds).
The temple would have been used from around the year 1000 until about 1260, the institute said.
This torso fragment shows the distinctive ‘second hand’ attached to the surviving arm. Picture: Mexican Institute of Anthropology and History
Discovering the Xipe Totec temple is an important step forward in archeology, revealing a unique picture of culture and beliefs of ancient Mesoamericans. This monument is not only a testament to sophisticated construction techniques and architecture, but also a place to preserve historical religious rituals. However, the journey of discovery is not over yet. There are still many mysteries surrounding the temple, about the bloody sacrificial ritual, and the symbolic meaning of the architecture and artifacts.