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All Mexico Mexico City Dualidad Mural

Dualidad Mural

This immense scene of a cosmic battle between a jaguar and serpent illustrates the Aztec concept of the duality of life.

Mexico City, Mexico

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Mictlān Tēcutli
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The mural “Duality.”   Nicolás Boullosa/cc by 2.0
The mural “Duality.”   Nicolás Boullosa/cc by 2.0
The mural “Dualidad” in the entrance hall.   Francisco Anzola/cc by 2.0
The Museum of Anthropology.   Jonathan Cardy/cc by-sa 3.0
Rufino Tamayo, the artist who created the mural.   Steve Eifert/public domain
Dualidad Mural   Xavixavir / Atlas Obscura User
Close up of the “Dualidad” mural   MollySVH
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About

Displayed in the entrance hall of the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, this immense mural confronts the observant visitor with the depiction of a fierce fight between a snarling jaguar and a hissing serpent. The battling beasts represent the Aztec concept of the perennial duality of life and death, day and night, creation and destruction. 

The mural often goes unnoticed by visitors eager to see the archaeological treasures of the museum, but it's worth pausing a moment to contemplate this enigmatic art piece. Created in 1964 by the Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo for the opening of the museum, the mural is known simply as "Dualidad" ("Duality"), drawing on the rich mythology of the Aztecs and modern Mexican folklore.  

The jaguar represents darkness and the bellicose god of the night and human sacrifice, Tezcatlipoca. The adversary of the big cat is a plumed serpent, representing light and day. It symbolizes the venerable god of knowledge and creator of mankind, Quetzalcoatl. Celestial elements such as the Moon, the Sun, and constellations can be seen that reflect the cosmos, and contrasting colors create an eerie ambiance meant to represent the dawn and twilight. This was a symbolic time, during which the ancient peoples of Mexico believed the cosmic battle between day and night was fought.  

In Aztec mythology, Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca were brothers and divine opposites who presided over the successive cycles of creation and destruction of the universe. The two were engaged in a constant and bloodthirsty sibling rivalry for cosmic supremacy, a rivalry that was believed to be the reason for the phenomena of night and day. Both gods were associated with animal counterparts. The jaguar because of its nocturnal behavior and spotted coat believed to resemble the night sky was linked with Tezcatlipoca the god of the night, whereas the snake and its association with the daytime and the sun represented the life-giver and creator of humankind. 

Related Tags

Murals Aztec Art Culture Museums

Know Before You Go

For those interested in seeing more of Tamayo's artwork, the brilliant Museo de Rufino Tamayo is directly opposite the anthropology museum within a 10-minute walking distance.

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Added By

Monsieur Mictlan

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Xavixavir

  • Xavixavir

Published

September 11, 2018

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Dualidad Mural
203 Av. Paseo de la Reforma
Mexico City
Mexico
19.426003, -99.186279
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Nearby Places

'Las Razas y La Cultura' Mural

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Photo of Mexico City

Mexico City

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Photo of Mexico City

Mexico City

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Stories 17

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