Crowning Rulers and Years: Interpreting the Year Sign Headdress at Teotihuacan

Research on the Year Sign headdress at Teotihuacan reveals its significance as both a marker of sociopolitical rank and affiliation, as well as a potential indicator of specific named houses within the ancient metropolis. By analyzing headdress iconography, rites of accession, and calendrical records from Classic and Epiclassic periods, the study proposes that this headdress type may have been associated with powerful institutions and rulers. Comparisons with the Late Postclassic Mexica xiuhhuitzolli diadem suggest a deeper connection to calendrical symbolism and authority. The findings offer new insights into the structure of social stations and institutional aspects at Teotihuacan, bridging gaps in our understanding of its complex sociopolitical landscape.

Nielsen, J., & Helmke, C. (2019). CROWNING RULERS AND YEARS: INTERPRETING THE YEAR SIGN HEADDRESS AT TEOTIHUACAN. Ancient Mesoamerica, 31(2), 319–334. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0956536118000585