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Tlaltecuhtli Monolith

The Tlaltecuhtli Monolith is a Mexica sculpture representing the earth deity Tlaltecuhtli. It was discovered on October 2, 2006, in the Historic Center of Mexico City, at the site known as Casa de Las Ajaracas. It is considered the largest artistic work so far found made by the Mexicas, followed by the Sun Stone and the Coyolxauhqui Monolith. Thanks to modern restoration techniques, part of its original polychromy was preserved. It has also been considered a possible mortuary chamber of the tlatoani Ahuízotl.

Tlaltecuhtli Monolith with a fanged mouth, elaborate headdress, and clawed limbs in reddish-brown stone.
The Tlaltecuhtli Monolith shows a stylized Aztec deity carved in reddish-brown stone, with a visible break in the lower center.
December 2012 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Tlaltecuhtli Monolith displayed flat in a museum, showing a carved face, headdress, and weathered stone surface.
The Tlaltecuhtli Monolith on display in a museum, with its carved face and intricate stone details visible.
November 2025 © · CC BY 4.0
Tlaltecuhtli monolith with an elaborate splayed stone figure and a visible break across the middle
The Tlaltecuhtli monolith shown as a large carved stone figure with a break across its midsection.
© Aztec artist · CC BY-SA 4.0
Tlaltecuhtli Monolith displayed on a dark platform with visitors observing from an elevated walkway.
The Tlaltecuhtli Monolith is shown on display in a museum setting as visitors look on from above.
January 2023 © · Public domain
Museum display board showing the Tlaltecuhtli Monolith with Spanish text and a carved stone face with an open mouth, tongue, and elaborate headdress.
Museum display board featuring the Tlaltecuhtli Monolith and a carved stone face with an open mouth and ornate headdress.
July 2012 © · CC0

Identification

TitleTlaltecuhtli monolith
TypeMexica monolithic sculpture
SubjectTlaltecuhtli, the earth deity
Depicted genderA dual entity, both male and female

Historical context

CultureMexica (Aztec)
Date of creationLate Mexica period, between 1502 and 1521

Discovery and provenance

Discovery date2 October 2006
Discovery contextFound during foundation works
Discovery locationAdjacent to Casa de las Ajaracas, beside the archaeological zone of the Templo Mayor of the Mexica, in the Historic Center of Mexico City, at the corner of República de Guatemala and República de Argentina
Site area272 square meters
Stone sourceCerro de Tenayuca

Physical characteristics

Dimensions4.17 × 3.62 × 0.38 meters
Weight12 tons
ColorPinkish and purplish tones

Materials

Material typeExtrusive volcanic rock
MaterialLamprobolite andesite; a block of hornblende andesite

Appearance

PolychromyPart of the original polychromy was preserved

Iconography and meaning

MeaningAssociated with the life cycle as a giver and devourer of life
InterpretationIt has been considered possible that it was the mortuary chamber of the tlatoani Ahuízotl
Associated rulerAhuízotl, tlatoani

Significance

Size significanceThe largest Mexica artwork found to date; the largest Aztec monolithic sculpture found to date
Comparative worksFollowed in size by the Sun Stone and the Monolith of Coyolxauhqui

Location and ownership

Historical significance of locationPart of the main Mexica ceremonial precinct and the foundational point of the new Mexico City
Project affected by discoveryThe discovery changed the planned construction project for the site
Modified project nameConjunto Ajaracas
Original project for siteGovernment of the Federal District proposal to build the mayor's house and offices
Modified project use before discoveryCenter for the Arts of Indigenous Peoples
Planned use after modificationMexico City Photographic Archive, a new headquarters for the Mexico City Historical Archive, and a museum
Museum purposeTo exhibit the monolith and other objects found in situ
Associated historical figuresAlonso García Bravo began the layout of Mexico City there; the Palacio del Marqués del Apartado nearby was built by Manuel Tolsá

History and restoration

Restoration informationCurrent restoration techniques made it possible to save part of its original polychromy