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This 10” Aztec wall plaque is a decorative representation of the Aztec Sun Stone, also known as the Calendar Stone. It’s not an actual calendar in the modern sense, but a cosmological symbol that depicts the Aztec understanding of time, deities, and the universe’s cycles.
The front shows a detailed relief carving modeled after the Tonatiuh Stone, believed to have been carved in the late 15th century. The central figure is Tonatiuh, the sun god, with his tongue sticking out as a sacrificial blade, representing the Aztec belief that the sun required human sacrifice to survive.
Around Tonatiuh are glyphs representing the four previous worlds/suns that were destroyed in Aztec mythology. The surrounding ring has 20 glyphs representing the 20 days of the Aztec month. And the outer ring Is interpreted as symbols for celestial movement, fire serpents, or cardinal directions.
This piece is made of resin or plaster designed to mimic carved stone. These types of plaques are common in tourist markets across Mexico and the southwestern U.S. made for educational or decorative purposes.
The back is particularly valuable, it includes a full annotated key to the calendar, written in English and Spanish. The top reads:
“ARTESANÍAS FINAS ‘YAGUL’”
Ricardo Flores R. – Manzana 8, Lote 6, Col. José Ortiz de Domínguez
Ecatepec, Edo. de México
This tells us that It was handcrafted by a workshop in Ecatepec, Mexico, near Mexico City. “Yagul” likely references the artisan’s brand or workshop name. The extensive labeling breaks down every icon, date glyph, and symbolic meaning for educational use.
