Temple of the Feathered Serpent, Teotihuacan
The Temple of the Feathered Serpent is the third largest pyramid at Teotihuacan, a pre-Columbian site in central Mexico. This pre-Columbian city rose around the first or second century BCE and its occupation prolonged through to the 600s or 700s. Early growth of the population was relatively quick, with an estimated population of 60,000-80,000 inhabitants; it is suggested that the population reached up to 100,000 by the 300s
By the 200s, Teotihuacan had what is considered to be the largest complex of monumental structures in all of Mesoamerica. The Temple of the Feathered Serpent is only one of many grand features found at Teotihuacan, others include: the Sun Pyramid, the Moon Pyramid, the Avenue of the Dead, as well as the Ciudadela which encloses the Temple of the Feathered Serpent. With that, Teotihuacan is regarded as one of the most significant city-complexes in early Mesoamerica; it is also clear to see how its significant population is reflected by the monumental construction of the city itself.
The Temple of the Feathered Serpent is notable partly due to the discovery in the 1980s of more than a hundred possibly sacrificial victims buried beneath the structure. The burials, like the structure, are dated to between 150 and 200 CE. The pyramid takes its name from representations of the Mesoamerican "feathered serpent" deity which cover its sides. These are some of the earliest-known representations of the feathered serpent, often identified with the much-later Aztec god Quetzalcoatl. "Temple of the Feathered Serpent" is the modern-day name for the structure; it is also known as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Feathered Serpent Pyramid.
Location
The Temple of the Feathered Serpent is located at the southern end of the Avenue of the Dead, Teotihuacan's main thoroughfare, within the Ciudadela complex. The Ciudadela is a structure with high walls and a large courtyard surrounding the temple. The Ciudadela's courtyard is massive enough that it could house the entire adult population of Teotihuacán within its walls, which was estimated to be one hundred thousand people at its peak. Within the Ciudadela there are several monumental structures, including the temple, two mansions north and south of the temple, and the Adosada platform. Built in the 4th century, the Adosada platform is located just in front of the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, obscuring its view.The Ciudadela also features apartment compounds surrounding the Feathered Serpent Pyramid. These are thought to have been occupied by individuals of elite status, specifically heads of the Teotihuacan state. In contrast, it is also thought that the Ciudadela was believed to be connected to the underworld and the administrative centers for the living world would have more likely been situated near the Sun and Moon Pyramids or along the Avenue of the Dead. Because the Ciudadela is much different from the other complexes at Teotihuacan, its purpose is regarded to be especially unique. While its size is only three fourths of that of the Sun Pyramid, much of its structure is attributed to the Feathered Serpent Pyramid as well as the great outer platforms..
Architecture
The Feathered Serpent Pyramid is a six-level step pyramid built in the talud-tablero style. The outside edges of each level are decorated with feathered serpent heads alternating with those of another snake-like creature, often identified as Tlaloc. Nevertheless, Mary Ellen Miller and Karl Taube claim that these heads may represent a "war serpent", while Michael D. Coe claims, somewhat similarly, that they probably represent the "fire serpent" wearing a headdress with the Teotihuacan symbol for war. In the eyes of these figures there is a spot for obsidian glass to be put in, so when the light hits, its eyes would glimmer. In antiquity the entire pyramid was painted – the background here was blue with carved sea shells providing decoration. Under each row of heads are bas-reliefs of the full feathered serpent, in profile, also associated with water symbols. These and other designs and architectural elements are more than merely decorative, suggesting "strong ideological significance", although there is no consensus just what that significance is. Some interpret the pyramid's iconography as cosmological in scope – a myth of the origin of time or of creation – or as calendrical in nature. Others find symbols of rulership, or war and the military.Some archaeologists have searched for the significance of the Temple of the Feathered Serpent through analysis of the headdress worn by the Quetzalcoatl, or Feathered Serpent, that is featured on the outside of the pyramid. This depiction is described as a monstrous figure bearing large fangs, while lacking a lower jaw; the surface of the work has two quadrangular components, two rings on the forehead and a knot on the top. The knots have been considered to represent significance of the calendar, as they have proven to be throughout other instances of Teotihuacan iconography. Austin goes into detail explaining the mythical significance of the Quetzalcoatl's headdress for which the following interpretation is based: the Quetzalcoatl was regarded as the “extractor-bearer” of the forces of time and is being depicted as “transporting time-destiny in the abstract to the surface of the earth”. This interpretation relies heavily on the signs of calendrical connection and significance exhibited by the architectural features of this pyramid.
Today the pyramid is largely hidden by the Adosada platform hinting at a political restructuring of Teotihuacan during the fourth century CE, perhaps a "rejection of autocratic rule" in favour of a collective leadership. Following excavations in the early 20th century, a section of a façade on the monument's west side was discovered. This section is believed to date from the late 3rd century. Fantastic and rare carvings on the surfaces show depictions of the feathered serpent deity, other gods, and seashells on panels on either side of a staircase.
Condition and conservation
Since the structure has been exposed to the elements for the entire duration of its history, rain and groundwater, crystallization of soluble salts on the surface, erosion, and biological growth have caused deterioration and loss of stone on the surface. Tourist visitation also accelerated the deterioration. In 2004, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl was listed in the 2004 World Monuments Watch by the World Monuments Fund. The organization provided assistance for conservation in cooperation with the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia and with help from American Express.Symbolism & Burials at the pyramid
Teotihuacan is also known for its involvement in warfare, as suggested by the observed emphasis on military elements and symbolism. Two hundred or more sacrificial burials were found at the pyramid, believed to be carried out during its construction and as part of the dedication of the temple.The burials are grouped in various locations, the significance of which is not yet understood. While there are burials of both men and women, the males outnumber the females. The males were accompanied by the remains of weapons and accoutrements, such as necklaces of human teeth, that lead researchers to conclude that they were warriors, probably warriors in service to Teotihuacan rather than captives from opposing armies. Many of the individuals buried among the weapons were also found to be dressed in military garments. This has served as a major influence in the interpretations regarding the meaning behind the Temple's burials.
In addition to that, two large pits beneath the Temple were found, located at the front of its stairway. It is thought that this may have possessed the remains of Teotihuacan's past rulers. However, these chambers were looted during the time of this city's occupation, so it is unclear whether these sacrificed victims were placed to accompany these rulers in the afterlife. The richness of the burial goods generally increases toward the center of the pyramid. At least three degrees of status have been identified, although there is no indication of a dead ruler or other obvious focal point.
It is important to note that the sacrificed individuals, as well as the grave goods, were deliberately positioned into highly structured arrangements. Sugiyama argues that this positioning was related to the calendar system and symbolism of creation. In addition to those already mentioned, there are a few ideas about who exactly these sacrificial victims were, and what role they played in early Mesoamerican society. It is possible that they were war enemies or maybe low-status individuals dressed as soldiers that lived in Teotihuacan. Cowgill argues that these victims were a part of the royal household and that the individuals dressed in military attire were elite guardsmen.
Because of the apparent militant focus in the burials at the Feathered Serpent Pyramid, many believe it to be associated with symbolism of warfare. Cowgill explains that most believe the Feathered Serpent as a symbol itself is linked to a sacred Venus-related war; some have also considered the figure that alternates with Feathered Serpent to represent a solar fire or war serpent. In addition, animals have been used to depict symbols of many kinds, those predatorial are especially linked to power and oftentimes associated with warfare activity. The Feathered Serpent is one of the earliest “fierce” animals and is visualized as a rattlesnake with bird-like feathers and a snout of a feline.
A specific grave good found among these burials was identified as a nose pendant resembling a “butterfly” shape. These were found in the burial at the center of the Temple of the Feathered Serpent. However, these pendants have been recognized instead as the ending segment of a rattlesnake's rattling tail. It is thought that those who adorned themselves with such pendants possibly identified or resonated with the Feathered Serpent in a higher sense.