Mysterious Teotihuacan ‘Host’ Figurines From Metepec, Mexico

A. Sutherland  - AncientPages.com - These curious male and female figurines from the ancient Mexican city of Teotihuacan have long puzzled researchers.

They simply defy an explanation.

Once, they were admired and respected by the Aztecs/Mexican people who referred to them as the 'City of Gods' but today no one knows exactly what these painted ceramic figurines symbolized.

'Host' figurines - figura huésped - Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli, México, D.F

In 1933, an American anthropologist, George C. Vaillant (1901- 1945) found the first of the figurines in Metepec, Cuernavaca, Mexico.

They are called 'host' figurines because there are smaller, solid figurines inside them. What is special is that the hollow chest area can be closed with a small lid.

Host figurines. Image credit: Ian Mursell/Mexicolore

Discovered in many ancient burials among other offerings, the artifacts have prompted experts to suggest a possible explanation for their existence.

Host figurines - National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City, Mexico

 

Credit: National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City, Mexico

Do they express the idea of the 'nahual' - our inner self, companion spirit? Or perhaps they could express a symbol of fertility, growth and nurturing in ancient times. It is also possible that they represent various strata of the society, such as warrior, ruler, merchant, or richly adorned women of the Teotihuacan elite – thus the term "host figure".

Their current location is National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City, Mexico.

Written by – A. Sutherland  - AncientPages.com Senior Staff Writer

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