The birds of Quetzalpapalotl

Abstract

There are major contextural differences between the two bird forms carved on the pillars of the Acosta reconstruction of the Quetzalpapalotl courtyard. The frontal bird on the west side and its distinctive border decorations suggest differences of meaning from the profile bird representation which occupies the remaining three sides. Séjourné's argument that the carvings represent two views of the same bird is refuted in the light of careful visual comparisons of the forms and ornithological examination. Other iconographic research on bird meaning in the context of Teotihuacán culture is discussed followed by an interpretation of the meaning of the two bird images.

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