Anonymous: Codex Borgia, page 72 - the four directions with plumed serpents and gods (13th -15th century)

(Vatican Library, Rome, Vatican City)

Another page from the Codex Borgia, a book from Mesoamerica. As the codex Borgia is dedicated to the tonalpohualli, the holy 260 days calendar, this page also reflects that. This page is dedicated the four directions and their patron gods and the daysigns which are associated with each directions. Each quarter has a serpent which encloses the god. Presented are:

Center: a spiritual beast known as a tzitzimitl. A tzitzimitl is a skeletal deity which is associated with the stars

Top Left: The cardinal direction East, with the god Macuilxóchitl, the god of games and pleasure, and the daysigns Lizard, Rabbit, Grass, Vulture and Flower

Lower Left: The cardinal direction East, with the god Tlaloc, the god of rain and storm, and the daysigns Alligator, Serpent, Water, Reed and Movement

Lower Right: The cardinal direction North, with the goddess Tlazoltéotl, the goddess of the earth, and the daysigns Wind, Death, Dog, Jaguar and Flint.

Top Right: The cardinal direction East, with the god Quetzalcóatl, the god of Wind, and the daysigns House, Deer, Monkey, Eagle and Rain.

Book from the 13th - 15th century