Moctezuma – Aztec Ruler – Exhibition Preview

Successful Ruler or Tragic Figure Who Ceded His Empire to Foreigners

Sep 20, 2009

Exhibition explores the life of Moctezuma II, semi-mythical Aztec Emperor. He was regarded as a successful ruler, but was defeated by the Spanish invader Hernan Cortés.

The British Museum's forthcoming exhibition is the first major show to explore the life of the Aztec Emperor, Moctezuma II, also known as Montezuma (1466-1520), ruler of a diverse empire reaching from the Gulf of Mexico to the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

The show marks two important anniversaries occurring in 2010: the 200th anniversary of Mexican Independence, and the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution.

Who Were the Aztecs?

Since the 1800s historians have incorrectly described the Mexica civilisation as "Aztec". The Aztecs were, according to myth, rulers of the legendary land of Aztlán ("White Land"). In about 1200 a small group, taking the name "Mexica" (pronounced "Mesheeka"), escaped Aztec leadership.

The Mexica, who may have taken their name from Metzliapán ("Moon Lake"), the mystical name for Lake Texcoco, established their capital city, Tenochtitlán. When the Spanish Explorer Hernán Cortés (aka Hernando Cortez) conquered the Aztec empire in 1520 he acknowledged the name "Mexica" and established modern Mexico.

On coming to power, in 1502, Moctezuma was elected Ruling Lord (huey tlatoani). He restructured the court and built a magnificent palace in the centre of Tenochtitlán (modern day Mexico City). Architectural remains from the palace will be on display. He was also appointed supreme military commander and head of the two most important orders of warriors, the Eagles and Jaguars.

Moctezuma's subjects believed he was a semi-divine character capable of negotiating with their many gods. He raised taxes, carried out blood-letting rituals, ordered the sacrifice of captives and was feared by many. He would have worshipped a multitude of gods at the Great Temple, a model of which will be on display. The show will explore the most important of the gods, such as Quetzalcoatl.

Invasion by Hernán Cortés

When Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1519, lead by Hernán Cortés, Moctezuma sent gifts but, because of fear and suspicion, the relationship eventually turned sour. The Emperor was captured and died soon after. Some historical sources claim he was secretly murdered by the Spanish while others believe he was stoned to death by his own subjects. The exhibition will present all sides of the story together with the latest research findings.

Moctezuma – Aztec Ruler will feature works of art from the British Museum's own collection together with items loaned by Mexican, American and European institutions.

Jewellery, including the gold finger ring, gold pendant featuring a human face, and a figurine with ritual regalia, as shown in this photograph, a Mosaic mask of the god Quetzalcoatl, a Gold Turtle Necklace and a Hackmack Box showing Moctezuma performing a blood-letting ceremony on himself, will also be on view. The centre-piece of the entire exhibition is a magnificent carved stone throne, The Teocalli of Sacred Warfare which is discussed further in Moctezuma – Aztec Ruler – Exhibition Overview.

The exhibition will demonstrate the skills of Aztec craftsmen through beautiful paintings known as Enconchados. These oil paintings, on wooden panels with Mother of Pearl details, depict Cortés' conquest in vibrant detail.

Moctezuma – His Reputation Now

From a historical perspective Moctezuma continues to fascinate Europeans. He has a mixed reputation within modern Mexico. The emperor is seen as a proud, successful ruler, as well as being a tragic figure who forfeited his empire, perhaps a little too easily, to foreign invaders.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a 256-page catalogue featuring more than 200 colour illustrations. Published by the British Museum Press, the book is edited by Colin McEwan and Leonardo López Luján. The publication presents the latest research findings and archaeological discoveries and assesses the key events of Moctezuma's rule from both Spanish and Mexican perspectives.

To coincide with Moctezuma – Axtec Ruler there will be a free related display in Room 90, the Prints and Drawings Gallery. Revolution on Paper: Mexican Prints 1910-1960 will feature Mexican prints by Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros and others.

Moctezuma – Axtec Ruler will be open from 24th September 2009 to 24th January 2010. Further details can be obtained from the British Museum.

The copyright of the article Moctezuma – Aztec Ruler – Exhibition Preview in Special Art Gallery Exhibits is owned by Frances Spiegel. Permission to republish Moctezuma – Aztec Ruler – Exhibition Preview in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.