Tlazolteotl, acrylic on board
Copyright 2009, Viva-La-Muertita All Rights Reserved.

In this painting, California artist Viva-La-Muertita replicates one of the most well-known images of the Aztec figure, Tlazolteotl, the Dumbarton Oaks figurine currently located as part of the pre-Columbian Collection of Dumbarton Oaks in Washington D.C. Visualizing Birth previously discussed the goddess figure here, explaining its numerous associations with themes such as childbirth, fertility, midwives, purification and also filth.

The Dumbarton Oaks Tlazolteotl figure is often referred to within the birth community, providing pregnant women with a powerful image of a woman squatting as she gives birth to a baby that has already emerged beneath her.

Viva-La-Muertita is an artist based in California’s San Fernando Valley. More of her work may be viewed online through her Deviant Art Gallery.