Codex Chapman

Night Sky

The background of this image depicts a dark-shaded sky with seven stars, alluding to the idea of a night sky. The sky was essential to include for setting purposes and the knowledge that Quetzalcoatl would only bathe at midnight after performing his penances. The inclusion of the stars was also a nice touch, knowing that people observed them to perform ritual sacrifices. It also shows that the gods referred to the stars, making it more meaningful for the Nahua to do so.

Contents of this annotation: