Catrina “Chantico” is the artistic representation of the Aztec goddess of fire.

In Aztec religion, Chantico (“she who dwells in the house”) is the deity reigning over the fires in the family hearth. She was associated with the town of Xochimilco, stonecutters, as well as warriorship.

Fire, to the Aztecs, was a transformative force, capable of changing the essence of objects and even souls. This transformative power, personified in Chantico, was revered, showcasing the dual nature of existence – creation and destruction, rebirth and death.

Chantico’s ancient representations often included an ornament of feathers, which were a typical symbol of warriors, and a golden pendant at her neck, which probably was a representation of the sun. Both elements are being displayed in this artistic portrayal.