Art News

Tlaltecuhtli Colossal Monolith was Moved to Templo Mayor Museum

MEXICO CITY.- The Tlaltecuhtli monolith discovered near Templo Mayor Archaeological Site in 2006 was moved in May 17th 2010 to Templo Mayor Museum, where it is to be presented for the first time as part of the Moctezuma II, Time and Destiny of a Ruler exhibition. The colossal sculpture was relocated in a maneuver that used state-of-the-art technology and the work of several persons during more than 31 hours. It was moved from the Ajaracas plot to the museum using 2 cranes to lift the four fragments in which the 12 tons piece was found. Trailers transported it through Justo Serra and Correo Mayor Streets to the building where main doors were previously removed to allow the introduction of the enormous stone. The 4.19 by 3.62 meters monument, besides being the biggest found to present, is the only Mexica sculpture that conserves its original colors. Restoration and consolidation conducted by National