Cihuateteo

The Cihuateteo are Aztec female warrior spirits, souls of women who died in childbirth, considered the equivalent of dying valiantly in battle. The Aztec afterlife was fairly dismal for most dead souls, but the Cihuateteo were given the glorious role of escorting the sun on its downward passage through the sky. When not busy with celestial chores, the Cihuateteo haunt crossroads, where they are accused of stealing children, seducing and harming gullible men, and causing seizures and madness.

The bodies of women who died in childbirth were considered very valuable. Soldiers and warriors fought over their remains, considered talismans ensuring courage and victory in battle.

ICONOGRAPHY:

Aztec stone sculptures portray them as kneeling women with skeletal faces and taloned hands.

SACRED SITES:

Shrines for the Cihuateteo are placed at crossroads.

SEE ALSO:

• Cihuacoatl
• Itzpapalotl
• Mictlantecuhtli

Cihuateteo – Divine Women – Pronounced: See-wha-tet-ay-o –

ORIGIN:

Mexico

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.

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