Xilonen, wife of
Tezcatlipoca, was the
Aztec was the goddess of corn, when
young and
tender. During the month of
Uey Tecuilhuitl, a young maiden would be sacrificed to Xilonen by having her head cut off and her
heart removed to ensure a good corn crop.
As in other cultures, this goddess had multiple identities covering the ages of women when they are maidens, mature and child-bearing, and the crone or wise women aspect of the older woman. Xilonen, as a mature adult, was known by the name Chicomecoatl (Seven serpent) or Chalchiuhcihuatl (Precious Woman). As the crone aspect, she was known as Ilamatecuhtli (Old Princess).