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| Pre-Aztec 'Flayed god' temple uncovered in Mexico | Pre-Aztec 'Flayed god' temple uncovered in Mexico |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| Archaeologists in Mexico say they have made an important discovery, uncovering a temple to Xipe Totec - the pre-Hispanic "Flayed lord". | Archaeologists in Mexico say they have made an important discovery, uncovering a temple to Xipe Totec - the pre-Hispanic "Flayed lord". |
| Historically, throughout the region, priests paid tribute to the deity by wearing the skin of human sacrifices. | Historically, throughout the region, priests paid tribute to the deity by wearing the skin of human sacrifices. |
| Items relating to the deity were discovered at a site in Puebla state, and believed to date from 900-1150 AD. | Items relating to the deity were discovered at a site in Puebla state, and believed to date from 900-1150 AD. |
| Mexican archaeologists say the find may be the earliest dedication to Xipe Totec discovered in Mexico. | Mexican archaeologists say the find may be the earliest dedication to Xipe Totec discovered in Mexico. |
| Worship of the God, who represents fertility and regeneration, is known to have later spread throughout Mesoamerica during Aztec times. | Worship of the God, who represents fertility and regeneration, is known to have later spread throughout Mesoamerica during Aztec times. |
| The INAH say the 85cm (33in) ceramic effigy of the god was found in relatively good condition, though some parts are unattached. | The INAH say the 85cm (33in) ceramic effigy of the god was found in relatively good condition, though some parts are unattached. |
| They say a right hand was hanging by his left arm, symbolising the skin of a sacrificed person hanging over him. | They say a right hand was hanging by his left arm, symbolising the skin of a sacrificed person hanging over him. |
| "Sculpturally it is a very beautiful piece," leading archaeologist Noemi Castillo said in a press release. | "Sculpturally it is a very beautiful piece," leading archaeologist Noemi Castillo said in a press release. |
| "It measures approximately 80cm (31in) and has a hole in the belly that was used, according to the sources, to place a green stone and 'endow them with life' for the ceremonies. " | "It measures approximately 80cm (31in) and has a hole in the belly that was used, according to the sources, to place a green stone and 'endow them with life' for the ceremonies. " |
| Two large skulls, believed to be carved from imported volcanic stone and weighing about 200kg (440lb) each were also discovered. | Two large skulls, believed to be carved from imported volcanic stone and weighing about 200kg (440lb) each were also discovered. |
| Archaeologists from INAH believe the skulls were used as covers for holes placed in front of two sacrificial altars where they believe sacrifices to him were buried. | |
| All of the materials discovered have been sent to laboratories for official registering and further analysis. | All of the materials discovered have been sent to laboratories for official registering and further analysis. |
| Who was the 'The Flayed one'? | Who was the 'The Flayed one'? |
| Xipe Totec is thought to have first appeared in the pre-Aztec era and is usually depicted in sandals, a loincloth and wearing the skin of human sacrifice. | Xipe Totec is thought to have first appeared in the pre-Aztec era and is usually depicted in sandals, a loincloth and wearing the skin of human sacrifice. |
| The festival of Tlacaxipehualiztli, which means to wear the skin of the skinning, was dedicated to him during spring during the Aztec period. | The festival of Tlacaxipehualiztli, which means to wear the skin of the skinning, was dedicated to him during spring during the Aztec period. |
| It involved selected captives being sacrificed, sometimes by staged gladiatorial fights, before they were skinned and hearts cut out in homage of the God. | It involved selected captives being sacrificed, sometimes by staged gladiatorial fights, before they were skinned and hearts cut out in homage of the God. |
| Priests commemorating the festival then wore the skins during ceremonies in dedication. | Priests commemorating the festival then wore the skins during ceremonies in dedication. |
| The archaeologists behind the find in Mexico believe the sculpture they found of him is the earliest ever recovered. | The archaeologists behind the find in Mexico believe the sculpture they found of him is the earliest ever recovered. |