Stone seated figure of Xiuhtecuhtli

The Aztecs thought of heat and fire in many guises. The fire of the sun could cause drought and famine. From the bowels of the bowels of the earth the Fire God, Xiuhtecuhtli provoked outpourings of molten lava from volcanic eruptions, and in many aspects he overlaps with the Old God, Huehueteotl. Xiuhtecuhtli is closely identified with youthful warriors and rulership, and is often depicted in the Aztec codices wearing a Fire Serpent on his back. This figure wears a pleated fan made of bark paper at the back of his head. Vestiges of yellow pigment and a black line around the eyes are still visible. The sculpture may have been used as a temple brazier.