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Nahui Ollin necklace

Nahui Ollin, aztec equinox and solstice necklace in silver

 

The motif of this pendant holds paramount importance within the rich iconography of the Aztec civilization of pre-Hispanic Mexico. It stands as a visual testament to the depth of the Aztec cosmovision, a complex and interconnected worldview that guided the beliefs, rituals, and social interactions of this Mesoamerican people for centuries. While our contemporary understanding may be incomplete, this symbol embodies the very foundations of how the Aztecs perceived their place in the universe, as well as their relationships with the natural and supernatural forces surrounding them.

This motif, known as Nahui Ollin or "four movements," embodies a fundamental pillar of Aztec cosmology. At the heart of this concept lies the term "Ollin," which transcends mere movement to encompass a cosmic and cyclical dynamic of profound depth. "Ollin" evokes much more than simple physical displacement; it symbolizes the perpetual flow of the universe, where natural cycles succeed one another tirelessly, creating a fabric of life and transformation. This cyclical vision finds its most poignant expression in the symbolism of the earthquake, where the earth itself seems to express its own movement, reminding the Aztecs of the fragility and inherent power of their existence. Thus, Nahui Ollin becomes the living symbol of cosmic order, infusing a sense of continuity and transcendence into the Aztec worldview.

We have carefully selected the representation of this pre-Hispanic motif, drawn from the pages of the Codex Borbonicus, a precious manuscript dating from the late 15th century AD. Considered as sacred "books" by this ancient Mexican culture, codices such as the Borbonicus were gateways to the sacred world of gods and myths, offering teachings about the nature of the universe and humanity’s role within it.

This Nahui Ollin presents a complex visual composition, where each element embodies deep meaning in the context of Aztec cosmology. At the center of this enigmatic symbol lies an eye or ixtli, which seems to transcend the boundaries of space and time, offering a glimpse into the mysteries of the universe. At its apex, a triangle evokes a ray of sunlight, the source of life and light in Aztec cosmology. Below, the symbol of the precious gem, chalchihuitl adds a dimension of value and sacredness, symbolizing the connection between humans and the earth, between the spiritual and the material.

The branches of the X represent the four suns or cosmic ages preceding our own. Each of these ages was characterized by cycles of creation and destruction, natural cataclysms that swept through the ancient world to make way for renewal. At the center of this cosmic wheel, the eye, the fifth sun, symbolizes our current era. It is within this incessant flux that new possibilities, new forms of life, arise each time the old world is engulfed in the flames of change.

Additionally, additional interpretations further enrich the meaning of this ancestral symbol, offering complementary perspectives that illuminate its depth. An alternative reading suggests that Nahui Ollin could embody the journey of the sun, Tonatiuh, across the sky, divided into four distinct movements: two for the solstices, where the sun seems to reach its highest or lowest point in the sky, and two for the equinoxes, where day and night balance harmoniously. This interpretation underscores the centrality of the sun in Aztec cosmology and highlights its crucial role in maintaining cosmic order.

Likewise, another explanation evokes the four cardinal directions. Each branch represents a specific orientation - north, south, east, west - and evokes the Aztec vision of an ordered and harmonious universe, where each direction carries meaning and symbolic significance. This reading reinforces the idea that Nahui Ollin is much more than a mere cosmological symbol; it is also a graphic representation of the fundamental organizing principles that structure the universe in the Aztec mind.

At the heart of this concept lies a fundamental philosophy for the Aztecs: that movement is the primordial agent that brings order to chaos, that orchestrates the incessant cycles of life and creation. For these ancient thinkers, movement is not simply a physical force, but rather a divine manifestation of cosmic harmony, an organizing force that guides destinies and regulates interactions between beings and elements of the universe.

This dynamic worldview underscores the idea that even in moments of apparent disorganization or turbulence, there is an underlying order, an invisible structure that guides the course of events. Movement, in all its forms and manifestations, is thus perceived as an essential element of this cosmic order, a force that shapes and gives form to the cycles of life, from the beats of the heart to the movements of the stars in the firmament.

Thus, for the Aztecs, recognizing and understanding the role of movement was an invitation to align with the natural rhythms of the universe, to actively participate in the eternal dance of creation and destruction. By embracing this philosophy, the Aztecs sought to find their place within the grand cosmic order, to live in harmony with the forces surrounding them, and to find deep meaning in the infinite cycles of life and death.

You can find another representation of Ollin at the following link:

 

 

Metal: sterling silver.

Dimensions: about 3 x 4.3 cm (or 1.18 x 1.69 inches).

Length of the necklace: about 90 cm.

Manufacturing time: 5 business days.

As we currently dwell in Mexico, provide a period of 3 to 6 weeks to receive your order for free with normal post service. Thank you for taking this information into account before ordering in our shop. At checkout, you will also have the option of choosing an express shipping. (please, read the complete conditions of shipping here).

You have a question? Contact us.

I hope you will love this jewel as much as I enjoyed creating it.

By Emmanuelle Guyon.

Tags : necklace, Aztec, pre-Hispanic, pre-Columbian, equinox, solstice, legend, symbol, glyph, archaeology, codex, archaeological, eye, Borbonicus, ollin, Nahui Ollin, movement, astronomy, astronomical, Mexico, Mesoamerica, sun, cycle, universe, the 5 suns, mythology, balance, chaos, cosmos, order, Mexican, calendar, America, history

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820 sales, 269 reviews

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