Chalchiuhtlatonac (Tollan)

Chalchiuhtlatonac is a deity in the Aztec pantheon, specifically associated with the city of Tollan. While often conflated with the more widely known Chalchiuhtlicue (goddess of rivers and streams), Chalchiuhtlatonac represents a more localized or perhaps even a distinct aspect of the same overarching divine power, specifically linked to the pre-Aztec city of Tollan (which may refer to several locations, adding to the complexity).

The name itself is Nahuatl and can be broken down: "chalchihuitl" (precious stone, jade), "tlalli" (earth), and "tonatiuh" (sun). This suggests a connection to the earth, the sun, and jade, implying a powerful and perhaps life-giving force tied to the fertility and prosperity of Tollan. Unlike Chalchiuhtlicue's broader dominion over bodies of water, Chalchiuhtlatonac's association with Tollan indicates a more localized influence, perhaps over specific springs, rivers vital to the city, or even the very soil itself.

Sources providing detailed information on Chalchiuhtlatonac specifically are scarce compared to the wealth of information available on Chalchiuhtlicue. The precise nature of Chalchiuhtlatonac's cult, rituals, and iconography remain largely undocumented. Further research into Tollan's history and archaeology could potentially shed more light on this deity and its significance within the context of the city. The overlap and possible distinctions between Chalchiuhtlatonac and Chalchiuhtlicue are areas requiring further scholarly investigation.