Tepantitla mural reinterpreted as agricultural festival
A new interpretation of the Tepantitla mural at Teotihuacán challenges the long-held view that it depicts Tlalocan, the paradise of the rain god Tláloc. Archaeologist Jaime Delgado Rubio of INAH proposes the mural represents an earthly celebration of agriculture, abundance, tribute, and community life, possibly a major festival honoring Tláloc. This reading invites scholars and the public to reconsider a familiar masterpiece.
Key facts
- The Tepantitla mural is located in the Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone in Mexico.
- The mural was previously interpreted as Tlalocan, the paradise of the rain god Tláloc.
- Alfonso Caso proposed the Tlalocan interpretation.
- Jaime Delgado Rubio is an archaeologist and cultural communicator at INAH.
- Delgado Rubio's interpretation suggests the mural depicts an earthly agricultural celebration.
- The festival would have been held in honor of Tláloc.
- The new reading emphasizes abundance, tribute, and community life.
- The reinterpretation invites scholars and the public to look again at the mural.
Entities
Institutions
- National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH)
- National Coordination of Archaeology
Locations
- Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone
- Mexico