Moneta's Temple and Gallery

Mexico - Aztec Medicine

Moneta — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 19:15:06 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: I'm now using this medal as and introduction to the Mexican Pre-Colombian series, although it is not part of the series. This depiction of an Aztec healer is very well done. The medal is for the Miles Institute of Therapeutic Experimentation. It sounds as scary as the Aztec medicine man looks. In hand the silver has a nice sheen and the toning blends much better. Today, the Institute is part of the University of Guadalajara, and Pfizer seems to have something to do with it.

Xochipilli

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 16:26:34 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This figure represents the 'god of the flowers,' whose body is covered with tattoos in the form of flowers and to whom the gardens where dedicated by performing complex rites. The Aztecs fought wars known as "Guerras Floridas", which was a covenant between two or more neighboring rival communities, with the sole and only purpose of obtaining victims to sacrifice and offer them to the God Xochipilli, to symbolize the renovation of society and nature. This god is the one being appeased in the movie "Apocalypto." The crops have failed and warriors are sent out to gather sacrificial victims. Another coin in the series, 'Guerrero Aguila' also relates directly to the story-line. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Vasija - the vessel

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 16:05:10 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Design is based on a vessel (Vasija) representing a Teotihuac�n human figure in a sitting position. Similar to this, there are other anthropomorphic little figures of unknown significance, but it is believed that they represent a deity or a dignitary. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Serpiente Con Craneo

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 16:02:53 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This coin shows a relief detail of the Coatepantli wall. It shows a serpent with a skull (Serpiente con cr�neo). This relief contains images that have motifs of eagles eating bloody hearts; it also shows a snake that represents the god Quetzalcoatl, as the morning star or Venus. The outline of the coin is based on the armor of a Quetzalcoatl figure. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Senor de Las Limas

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 15:59:23 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This coin depicts Senor de las Limas (Master of the Limes). This extraordinary jade sculpture represents a priest carrying a "jaguar child" in his arms. According to archeologists it is related to both fertility and maternity. It was found in the Valley of the Limes, in the state of Veracruz. Part of Olmec Pre-Colombian coin series. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Sacerdote

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 15:55:02 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This coin design shows a priest (Sacerdote) represented by an "Atlante" figure (a gigantic statue). Priests had the most important social status in the Toltec civilization. They had a direct relation with the gods they venerated. They also adopted the names and virtues of the god they represented. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Quetzalcoatle

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 15:52:38 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This coin shows a relief reproduction that symbolizes the birth of Ce-Acatl Topilzin Quetzalcoatl. Tradition tells that Ce-Acatl led the Toltecs to become a great power once they were established in Tula Xicocotitlan, nowadays Hidalgo city. He ruled this civilization from 925 to 950 A.D. Surrounding the coin there is an outline with a design inspired by the belt of a Quetzalcoatl figure. I'll do some more research on this but as one of the more famous figures in Mesoamerica, Cortez and his merry band of Conquistadors were mistaken for a returning Quetzalcoatl and were given the benefit of the doubt, which is all that was needed to destroy several Mesoamerican civilizations. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Piramide Del El Tajin

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 15:43:01 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: The famous 'Pyramid of the Niche' is harmoniously adapted to the photography of the Tajon. Their excellent edges give to the structure a particular effect of relief and it is distinguished specially by his 365 niches, symbols of a ritual function related to the solar calendar. The archeological site of Tajin is located in the state of Veracruz. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Piramide Del Sol

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 15:35:39 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: The "Pyramid of the Sun" was a monument dedicated to the sun and was of exceptional importance for all Teotihuacans. It is oriented according to astronomical considerations, and has a small deviation on the north side. I presume that this is the same famous pyramid that appears on the regular Mexican coinage 20 Centavo pieces of 1943 - 1974. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Piramide Del Castillo

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 15:29:36 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: The Pyramid of El Castillo (Piramide del Castillo), also known as "the Kukulkon Pyramid." It is the most evident example of the relation between Toltecs from the central region of Mexico and the Mayan people during the postclassic period. It was dedicated to Kukulkon, one of the principal Mayan Gods. He was the Mayan version of Quetzalcoatl and was related to the four seasons of the year and the creation of the universe. He was also the deity personage of the mythical king, who restored the city of Chichen-Itza. Examples with the title of the pyramid on 2 lines, instead of 3, are known to exist and are not documented in KM yet. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Piedra De Tizoc

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 15:23:30 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This enormous monolith was discovered at the Templo Mayor and celebrates the victories of Tizoc, Governor of the Aztec Empire. It also symbolizes the ritual of the change of powers from Tizoc to his brother Ahuizotl. Ahuizotl was Tizoc's successor in the Aztec Empire in 1486. Uncirculated examples are known from 1993 too. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Palma Con Cocodrilo

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 15:19:26 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Features pre-Columbian art depicting a crocodile's tail following the form of a palm (palma con cocodrilo). The amphibian nature of crocodiles fascinated the Totonaca Indians (Veracruz) and it was an integral part of their coastal civilization. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Mascara

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 15:15:49 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Design is based on a magnificent stone mask that was part of the funeral attire of the high personages of this culture. Part of Teotihuacan Pre-Colombian coin series. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Lapida Tumba de Palenque

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 14:31:33 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This coin illustrates a bas-relief fragment found in the death chamber at the Palenque Inscriptions Temple. This unique pre-Columbian tomb contains a monolithic sarcophagus of approximately 10 feet long. Its a death chamber of a very important Mayan dignitary. Interestly, this image may be familiar to many because it has appeared in books claiming the figure is in a rocket ship and was used to support the notion that UFO's and aliens had influenced the advanced Mayan culture. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Jugador de Pelota

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 14:24:28 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Design with a Ball Player (Jugador de pelota) features figure molded in orange clay. This type of ceramic prevailed in a specific stage during the development of the Teotihuacan culture. These figures were very important for the Teotihuacan trading system, embracing almost all Mesoamerica. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Jaguar Piedra De Los Soles

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 14:19:48 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: (Pre-reform Pesos issue, Gold) This coin is part of the Aztec Collection. Pictured is a portion of a stone sculpture with four faces representing the four ages or suns previous to the Fifth sun. The first age is represented by a jaguar and the number "4". The jaguar is depicted with open jaws along with characteristic paw prints. Pictured is a portion of a stone sculpture with four faces representing the four ages or suns previous to the Fifth sun. The first age is represented by a jaguar and the number "4". The aforementioned number symbolizes the earth sun or the night sun, while the jaguar represents the fertility of the earth. The jaguar is depicted with open jaws along with characteristic paw prints. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Jaguar - block carving

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 14:15:47 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This design shows a sculpture known as jaguar, an animal that was adored by the Toltecs. Surrounding the "Jaguar" there is an outline with a design inspired by one of the columns of the Quetzalcoatl-Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli temple. Nowadays, this sculpture is located in the anthropology and national history museum located in Mexico City. Coin pictures a "Jaguar Man," an example of small figures found in a variety of positions and attitudes, the most common being the ones showing a personage sitting down and wearing a helmet. All figures feature altered faces to somewhat look like a jaguar. The jaguar was the center element during the Olmec rituals. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

HueHueteotl

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 14:13:07 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: One of the most ancient deities in Mesoamerica. Huehueteotl is known as "the old God of fire". The sculpture depicted on this coin shows the association between the Gods of fire and the Gods of water during Aztec times. They governed the center of the universe and maintained the balance of the cosmos. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Hombre Jaguar

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 14:10:00 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: One of the hardest coins to find in the Precolumbian Series. These small figures are remarkable examples of the Olmec culture. The "Jaguar Men" are found in a variety of positions and attitudes, the most common being the ones showing a personage sitting down and wearing a helmet. All figures feature altered faces to look somewhat like a jaguar. The jaguar was the central figure during the Olmec rituals. All Type II coins, with Mexico City mintmark above the date, are not listed in KM so far. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Hacha Ceremonial Axe

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 14:02:14 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Coin depicts a small jade ceremonial axe with fine engravings representing a jaguar man. It has a fissure in the form of a -V- very characteristic of the tools used during rituals in the mid period of the pre-classic Era. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Guerrero Aguila

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 13:57:38 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This silver coin features the head of the eagle warrior (Guerrero Aguila), whose duty was to be outstanding as a warrior and to obtain the sacred meal for the Gods (freshly extracted human hearts). The eagle knights, the military Aztec elite, was a privileged lineage of brave soldiers named by the nobles. Their attire symbolized the power and ferocity of the Huitzilopochtli rite. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

El Luchador

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 13:51:27 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This coin pictures a wrestler (El luchador). This extraordinary stone sculpture was found in Santa Marca Uxpanapa, Veracruz. It represents a man sitting down with his arms in a dynamic attitude, pretending he was wrestling or practicing some kind of sport. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Disco de La Muerta

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 13:48:46 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Design is based on an extraordinary sculpture made of stone, representing death. Death was an important issue among the people of the Teotihuacan culture. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Dintel 26

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 13:45:29 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This piece was found in the ruins of Yaxchilon and represents a ritual scene illustrating the mastery of the Mayan sculpture. It depicts a woman delivering a mask or a jaguar head to a dignitary or to a high priest. The archeologists found that the only way of knowing the rank or class of the figures in this type of lintel was by reviewing the design in the clothing and the attitude of the personage. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Chaac-Mool

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 13:40:18 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Coin shows a human being in an unconventional position, semi-reclining holding a disk or plate between his hands over his stomach. This type of sculpture relates to the way the Mayans made their sacrifices. At least 14 figures in the same position have been found in Chichen-Itza. Other figures of this type have been found in the Central region of Mexico and in different parts of Mesoamerica. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Carita Sonriente

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 13:35:08 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Pictured is a small terra-cotta figure that is one of the most original and characteristic products of pre-Columbian Veracruz culture. The smiling faces (Carita sonriente) were placed in tombs as an offering, which were supposedly endowed with magical powers to be able to sing and dance in the life to come for those who had passed away. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Cabeza Olmeca

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 13:32:49 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Coin pictures one of the colossal head (Cabeza Olmeca) sculptures of the Olmec culture. Up to today only 16 heads have been discovered which vary in height, from 1.6 to 3 meters. Weight ranges from 9 to 11 tons. Unknown is whether they represent gods, priests or governors. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Brasero Efigie

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 13:29:00 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Design of Brazier Effigy (Brasero Efigie) features the face of Tlaloc, God of the rain and one of the Gods of the creation. It is one of the most important Aztec deities. It was believed that tears flowing down his cheeks fertilized and regenerated the bodies buried in Aztec lands. This is a rare Type II with the Mexico mint above the date, not more than 500 were reportedly minted! VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Bajo Relieve del El Tajin

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 13:20:18 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Coin shows a ball court wall found in the archeological zone of El Tajin. It represents a ball game, one of the most impressive rituals in pre-Columbian civilization. The bas-relief, a peculiar feature of the Totonaca culture, shows a motif with clear and stylized ornaments. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Atlantes 5 oz.

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 13:14:45 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: The statues pictured are located at the archaeological zone of Tula (Central Mexico), on the Sun god's temple (Quetzalcoatl), watching over their ancient city which dates back to 713 B.C. The "Atlantes" are gigantic statues, in this case representing Toltec warriors. In their right hand they carry weapons that fired darts, while in their left hand they hold several arrows. On their chest they carry a butterfly shaped vest and on their backs they carry a calendar. On this coin, the image of the Atlantes is surrounded by a design inspired on their vest. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf

Anciano Con Brasero

Moneta — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 12:42:37 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This terra-cotta small statue was discovered at the Centro de las Mesas, a location in the state of Veracruz. It represents the God of Fire, an elderly man carrying a brazier on his head. It was sculptured with outstanding realism, showing the cultural bonds between the Totonaca and Teotihuacan civilizations by blending elements of both cultures. Unusual in that this Type II shows a higher mintage than the Type I in Proof (2650 vs. 1500). VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Mexico's Pre-Columbian Series - Don Bailey: /library/Mexico's%20Precolumbian%20Series%20-%20Bailey.pdf