Where are you Quetzalcoatl...

People often ask me why I named this site Where are you Quetzalcoatl… Well, for a long time I went penniless learning everything possible about Quetzalcoatl. I won’t get into details but it was one of those journeys that when you return from, everyone is mad at you, even though your intentions were good. Then to make things worst you begin to question yourself, has that ever happened to you? Anyhow, in appreciation for the time spent (and being spent) I named this site Where are you Quetzalcoatl…

Quetzalcoatl was one of Mesoamerica’s principle deities, or gods, also referred to as the feathered serpent. An acceptable label since Quetzalcoatl was often portrayed alongside a serpent or in serpent regalia. In the ancient city of Tula, Quetzalcoatl took the form of man (a priestly one), known to scholars as Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl (likely he just adopted the name). Nonetheless the subject of Quetzalcoatl is a fascinating one because its presence is seen in almost every Mesoamerican culture, from Olmec to Aztec.

A matter to consider is the abundant pieces relevant to Quetzalcoatl, currently existing in museums throughout Mexico, without proper classification. Take for example the stone monolith of Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl (fig. 1) from the National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City, Mexico, and the stone slab of Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl (fig. 2) from the Sala Historico De Quetzalcoatl in Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico. A close examination reveals both too be laden with similar iconography; at best, they are relevant with one predating the other. In study, the two would be worthy of interpretation, yet a meager museum record fails to support any argument(s). I know what you are thinking… Museum exhibits can be notoriously inaccurate, yet what are we to do, after all other sources have been considered? This could be an issue for the scholar looking to support his research or the enthusiast looking for a proper interpretation.


Fig. 1 Stone monolith of Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl from the National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City, Mexico. Museum classification is vague. Picture by Santiago Andres Garcia


Fig. 2 Stone slab of Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl. This piece is from the Sala Historico De Quetzalcoatl in Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico. The piece was likely unearthed in the same area of Tula. Museum records and classification are also vague. Picture by Santiago Andres Garcia

Please note that this is not a battering of museums, museum curators, or their displays. As it turns out the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is one of the world’s best. It provides a portal to early American ancestry and such environments should always be held in high regard. My only intention is to shed some light on the current issues puzzling us, in hopes of some clarification.