Chicomecoatl

Chicomecōātl in an illustration from Rig Veda Americanus

Relief with Maize Goddess (Chicomecóatl) Brooklyn Museum

In Aztec mythology, Chicomecōātl [t͡ʃikomeˈkoːaːt͡ɬ] "seven snakes", was the Aztec goddess of agriculture during the Middle Culture period.^[1] She is sometimes called "goddess of nourishment", a goddess of plenty and the female aspect of corn.^[2]

She is regarded as the female counterpart of the maize god Centeōtl, their symbol being an ear of corn. She is occasionally called Xilonen,^[3] (meaning doll made of corn), who was married also to Tezcatlipoca.^[4]

She often appeared with attributes of Chalchiuhtlicue, such as her headdress and the short lines rubbing down her cheeks. She is usually distinguished by being shown carrying ears of maize.^[2] She is shown in three different forms:

• As a young girl carrying flowers
• As a woman who brings death with her embraces
• As a mother who uses the sun as a shield^[2]

See also

• Centeōtl (Aztec god of maize)
• Maya maize god

References

1. Aguilar-Moreno, Manuel (2006). Handbook to life in the Aztec world. New York, NY: Facts on File. pp. 197–8. ISBN 0816056730.
2. Gregg, Susan. The encyclopedia of angels : spirit guides & ascended masters : a guide to 200 celestial beings to help, heal, and assist you in everyday life. Beverly, Mass.: Fair Winds Press. p. 239. ISBN 9781592334667.
3. Coulter, Charles Russell; Turner, Patricia (2000). Encyclopedia of ancient deities. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland. ISBN 0786403179.
4. Coulter, Charles Russell; Turner, Patricia (2000). Encyclopedia of ancient deities. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland. p. 508. ISBN 0786403179.

• "Maize Deity (Chicomecoatl)". Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved 9 September 2008.