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These numerous donations, remarkable for their quantity, quality and diversity, include minerals, plants, animals, human beings and cultural objects.
They come from many regions and echo the exceptional political and economic power that this empire had at the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in 1519.
The study of the offerings reveals a dynamic and predatory society which extended its political and economic domination from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from western Mexico to the current border with Guatemala.
These offerings demonstrate artistic excellence combined with complex symbolic thin- king. The exhibition reflects this richness, history and fascinating Mexica society.
Anthropomorphic goddess statuette Chicomecoatl, corn goddess
Mexico. Gifts and gods at the templo Mayor 1350 - 1521 Rituals associated with corn and agriculture Dense metamorphic rock of green color
32.5 x 24.5 x 5 cm, 5023 g
© musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, photo Daniel Ponsard