Figurilla Xipe Tótec

Clay figurine of a person dressed with the skin of a flayed person, represented with a rough texture suit that simulates the fat adhered to the skin; it has a headdress in the shape of hatchet and is sitting on a stool integrated to the piece. It was made woth and orange clay and it shows a very delicate and fine work.This is one of two almost identical pieces that were part of a funeral offering found in 1966 in the upper part of the Temple of Ehécatl located inside of what used to be the sacred precinct of Tlatelolco. The offering consisted of an orange ceramic vessel that contained the two figurines and three miniature ceramics bowls, and the bone remains of an infant, a pumpkin shape rattle and cuanacaztli seeds.The figurine evokes the ritual celebrated in honor of the god Xipe Tótec, which consisted of skinning or removing the skin of the sacrificed captive in order for someone devout of this worship to wear it. The skin was used for periods up to 20 days, after which was buried in an underground cavity, associated with the temple of the God. Arqlga. Bertina Olmedo Vera