Page 120 - B-ALL ENG

On February 21, 1978, the discovery of the sacred enclosure of the Templo Mayor made it possible to relaunch archaeological research on the Mexica.
It all started with the exhumation of the Moon goddess, Coyolxauhqui, by workers from an electricity company.
For 45 years, researchers have been digging and discovering to explain this Mexica civilization and religious life within the ancient city of Tenochtit- lan, the imperial capital.The exhibition, which the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac presents in association with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Mexico from April 3, 2024, invites the public to discover a unique presentation both in France and in Europe.
Among the most striking discoveries are two hundred and nine offerings buried in the Templo Mayor and under the surrounding squares.
The cavities dug in the embankments of buildings, chests or cut stone boxes contain the very rich offerings that the Mexica people intended for their most venerated deities to introduce themselves to them, pay homage to them and, sometimes, attempt to obtain favors in return.
Olmec mask, Offering 20
Templo Mayor archaeological zone, Mexico City, Mexico 1469-1481, Green metamorphic stone, Museo del Templo Mayor-INAH, Mexico City ©Foto Jorge Pérez de Lara. D.R. Secretaría de Cultura-INAH- MEX