Aiapæc (often written Ai Apaec, from Colonial Mochica aiapæc *[ajapʷɨk][1] ′maker, God the Father′),[2] Wrinkled Face,[3] the snake-belted figure,[4] or the god of the mountains,[2][5][6] is a mythical character identified in Moche iconography, and possibly the main Moche deity. According to some archaeologists, it may have been the most feared and adored of all punitive gods, worshipped as the creator god, protector of the Moche and provider of water, food and military triumphs.
The existence of such iconographic character was first proposed by archaeologist Rafael Larco Hoyle. Contemporary analysis have questioned that it may been a single god, instead finding several mythological characters.[7][8]
Representations
The most common representation of Aiapæc is the one seen in the murals of the Temples of the Sun and the Moon, which present an anthropomorphic face with feline fangs surrounded by ocean waves.
Aiapæc was represented in several ways, depending on the period, place and medium used. In metallurgy, for example, Aiapæc is often seen as a spider with eight legs and an anthropomorphic face with jaguar fangs. In ceramics, the divinity is often more anthropomorphic, usually with his head in his hands and sometimes with two snakes sprouting from his head. In sculpture, he is shown with a staff.
It is said that during human sacrifices, prisoners were decapitated and their heads given to Aiapæc.
In popular culture
Ai Apaec is a villain in the Marvel Universe. He is depicted as having the torso of a human male (with snakes for hair and large fangs) and the lower body of an enormous spider. Recruited by Norman Osborn, he is given a special serum that changes him into a six-armed version of Spider-Man. In this form, he serves as a member of Osborn's second version of the Dark Avengers.[9] He first appeared in Osborn #1 (2011). He also makes an appearance during the "Spider-Island" saga.[10] In "Spider-Verse", a version of Ai Apaec from Earth 1771 was consumed by the inheritor Karn after being exiled from his family.
In Archie Comics' New Crusaders and The Jaguar, Ai Apaec is depicted as a jaguar god who empowers the superhero Jaguar.[11]
See also
References
- Art of the Andes, from Chavin to Inca. Rebecca Stone Miller, Thames and Hudson, 1995.
- The Incas and their Ancestors. Michael E. Moseley, Thames and Hudson, 1992.
External links
- "Ai Apaec". Google Cultural Institute. — a Museo Larco media presentation
- www.huacas.com
- Sun and Moon Official Project information