The position of her hands show that Chalchiuhtlicue originally held something, perhaps flowers or other symbolic attributes. In an attempt to deflect this threat, the Aztec king Montezuma admitted him to the city. The Aztecs also believed that the powerful god Quetzalcoatl would sometime return. Montezuma, never having seen men in armor on horseback, believed the party to be Quetzalcoatl and his followers. By the time Montezuma realized his error, it was too late.
Different societies represent their gods and goddesses in different ways.
Discuss also religions that traditionally do not represent their deity and why, such as Islam and Judaism. Have students invent their own god or goddess. The deity can be created out of clay, carved out of a bar of soap, drawn, or painted. Study Aztec culture with the students.